Particularly, the religious right in the USA tends to reject scientific consensus of experts in several areas, such as cosmology, evolution, global warming, brain function and homosexuality. Why? Is it a bias against science in general? Is it because such findings are in conflict with religious views? For whatever reason, this rejection of the views of the consensus of experts in defined scientific disciplines is clear.
Like most of us, I would expect these same people function quite differently in most other areas of daily living. For example:
- When you have car or home appliance trouble, what do you do?
- When you or a loved one has a medical issue, what do you do?
- When you have a complicated financial issue, what do you do?
- When you have a legal issue, what do you do?
The obvious answer is to consult expert(s) in the particular area of need. This could be a trusted professional. It could involve an internet search to find the consensus of experts in that field. You do not consult with a dentist for the best way to handle a car problem, even though he or she is an "expert".
Why is this rational approach to finding answers applicable to everyday life but is not applicable to scientific issues?
Science is not perfect and all theories are "provisional". Scientific findings are subject to change under the power of new evidence. However, it is the best objective tool we have for understanding reality. Why would you reject the consensus of opinion of experts in particular fields of science? Is there another opinion that is liable to be more likely? I'll bet on the opinion that is most likely to be correct.
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