Prevention Programs And Scientific Nonsense

“The anti-science movement in health promotion has arisen as part of the humanistic perspective within the discipline that positions itself in direct opposition to a science-based approach that it terms ‘positivism.’ According to this view, the application of the scientific method — that is, an approach to the world founded upon experimentation and hypothesis testing — to social phenomena is both epistemologically and ethically wrong.” D.M. Gorman

—Prevention Programs And Scientific NonsensePolicy Review)

But see also: “The Battle for American Science,” which argues that “Creationists, pro-lifers and conservatives now pose a serious threat to research and science teaching in the US.” It must be tough to be a pure and utterly objective scientist, surrounded by imperfect social creatures who dare to assert their values. I guess scientists will just have to learn to communicate their truths in such a way as it appeals to the intellect and passions of the masses — that’s what everyone else needs to do in order to promote a viewpoint or earn votes. Scientists, come forth from the laboratory and learn to write!