Is Science Broken?

[HuckleB]

http://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/is-science-broken/#more-6063

"...

At the same time the skeptical approach requires that we explore and discuss all the various flaws, errors, and weaknesses in the institutions and process of science. Science in theory is fantastic, but it is practiced by flawed people with all their cognitive biases and perverse incentives (much like democracy or capitalism).

I think the best approach to this apparent contradiction is transparency, honesty, to be as constructive as possible, and avoid sliding into nihilism. It’s easy to focus on all the negatives about any institution, and conclude that it’s hopelessly broken. Some institutions are broken and unfixable, so it’s not an inherently unreasonable position. We should strive for a balanced and fair assessment (just like Fox news).

A recent article published in The Economist is getting a lot of play in scientific and skeptical circles. It reviews what skeptics have been talking about for years. There is a lot of crappy research out there that is unreliable. This means that just because you can find some studies that appear to support your position, it does not mean your position is correct. You cannot know the answer to a question by cherry-picking the studies you want. You have to do a critical analysis of all the research.

..."


A very thorough discussion of the matter by Steven Novella. It's worth your time, IMO.

[longship]

1. A good read.

I am a huge Skeptics Guide to the Universe podcast fan, which is hosted by Steven Novella every single week, without fail for years.

This is a very good article which discusses the problems within the published scientific literature and suggests some things to help solve those problems.

As usual, Novella does a good job.

R&K

[HuckleB]

3. Thanks!

Yep, the podcast is wonderful!

[Xipe Totec]

2. Every judgment in science stands on the edge of error and is personal.

Science is a very human form of knowledge. We are always at the brink of the known; we always feel forward for what is to be hoped. Every judgment in science stands on the edge of error and is personal. Science is a tribute to what we can know although we are fallible. In the end, the words were said by Oliver Cromwell: "I beseech you in the bowels of Christ: Think it possible you may be mistaken."

- Jacob Bronowski

http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/10542.Jacob_Bronowski