July 27th, 2009
Science v. public opinion
Is it a surprise that American public opinion and scientific opinion are often at great variance? The findings of a recent Pew survey show Americans are not in agreement with American science.
Part of this is the current American media mix that treats every statement as a subject of doubt and debate. There’s seemingly no fact, no truth, and no doubter’s opinion is too absurd for repitition as long as it’s not communism. Expect a resurgence of flat-earth theory soon to go along with persistent doubts of gravity, evolution and climate change.
But I would like to know if this is any different than it’s been for centuries? It’s been decades since we have deliberately burned a scientist for heresy, for example. The Pope no longer determines who can publish what. Even Spain has abandoned the Inquisition. Surely, we’ve made some progress here.
One MSM opinionator puts lots of blame on the scientists themselves. A recent review of UNSCIENTIFIC AMERICANS, a recent book, points out the science illiteracy of Americans goes beyond the lack of basic science knowledge.
Can green tech succeed and get funding without popular support and understanding? Does the customer need to understand the lithium-ion battery to want an electric car? Guess we’re gonna find out here in the next few years because the science illiteracy is not going away in your lifetime.
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A newsman since 1969, Harry Fuller has worked for CBS, ABC, CNBC Europe, CNET and was founding news director at TechTV. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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