The Limits of Trusting Science: Understanding Its Implications
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Chapter 1: The Nature of Scientific Inquiry
Many individuals hold the view that science is the ultimate authority in distinguishing truth from falsehood. However, is our understanding of the experimental method truly infallible, or does it have inherent flaws?
Science, particularly the experimental or "scientific" method, operates within a specific domain of competence. It excels in areas tied to the physical universe—such as physics, chemistry, and biology—where observations can be made through our senses. Yet, complications arise when we delve into more abstract realms.
Section 1.1: The Challenge of Psychological Research
Consider the field of psychology. Unlike physical sciences, psychology lacks tangible elements beyond basic sensory experiences, relying instead on the abstract intricacies of individual thoughts and behaviors. For instance, imagine if Milgram's Experiment became universally known. If people are aware of the potential manipulation by authority figures, many may consciously choose not to be deceived. Consequently, if one were to replicate the experiment, the outcomes might not yield statistically significant results.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Replication Crisis
This dilemma encapsulates the replication crisis, a phenomenon where previously effective psychological methods fail due to shifts in human behavior. Some proponents of strict scientific methodology attribute this issue to poor statistical practices among psychologists. However, the broader issue likely lies in the inadequacy of the scientific model in this context. Unlike a ball that consistently accelerates at 9.80665 m/s², human behavior is subject to change.
Section 1.2: Economics and the Scientific Model
The same limitations can be observed in related disciplines such as economics. There isn't a definitive "scientific" approach to studying economics since economic principles can become obsolete over time. In contrast, the properties of chemicals remain constant, but trading strategies can quickly fall out of favor.
Chapter 2: Reevaluating Scientific Trust
Despite these challenges, it is crucial to recognize that our understanding of these fields isn't entirely futile. In fact, the acknowledgment that our models may be flawed opens up avenues for significant exploration and improvement. However, this begins with an acceptance that science, while powerful, is not without its imperfections.
The first video, "Trust Science" is a BAD Idea, delves into the limitations of blindly trusting scientific findings, encouraging viewers to critically assess scientific claims.
The second video, Naomi Oreskes: Why We Should Trust Scientists, offers a perspective on the importance of trusting scientific expertise while recognizing its limitations.