The Danger of Science Denial

I viewed "Michael Specter: The Danger of Science Denial." This was about 15 minutes or so and very intriguing. I didn't agree with everything that he said, but I loved the fact that what he did say caused me to think about what I believe and why I believe it. He challenged my thinking, and in some parts of his presentation I found that I DO agree.

He had some memorable quotes within his presentation. The following are just a few that I jotted down or paraphrased:

1) You can't demand proof (of something) and then not accept the results you get.

2) People wrap themselves in their beliefs to the point that they blind themselves to the

truth.

3) You're entitled to your own opinions, but not to your own facts.

4) The solution for (getting rid of) big government isn't "big placebo."

5) Science is a process. Not allowing this process for fear of what we may find is a bad idea.

6) Belief and magic should not replace factual results/science.

Basically, he speaks of the advances of technology and science and how it could (and should) be used to further mankind and our happiness or peaceful existence, but instead we (the world) are arguing about small, insignificant things (like is it right to move genes within a cell?) instead of focusing on the idea of helping people. He mentions how measles are practically non-existent in America, yet 160,000 people died from it in the world last year. He points out that this is happening because people are afraid of vaccines and won't get them, or because we're too self-centered to get such vaccines to the people that need them.

Another point he makes is the concept or "causation and correlation" and how we often allow celebrities to spew their opinions about certain topics (like Autism) without them knowing all the facts. He speaks of Jenny McCarthy and others going on Larry King or Oprah to make their voice heard, yet they don't have the facts straight, and such errant information causes fear instead of setting people free.

My conclusion to all of this is that it really made me think and take a look at what I normally am never asked or challenged to look at. It got me to think twice about certain topics and that's more than I can say for a lot of things I've read in the last year. I was so intrigued by what was said that I went ahead and viewed a few other videos on this site (TED.com. There is an interesting and somewhat funny video called AJ's year of living biblically. You should check it out, too). I would recommend you at least watch one of these videos. Even if it offends you, at least it will cause you to strengthen what you believe and sharpen your skills as to why. I definitely believe if we as a people are going to be so "into" what we believe that we are willing to die for it, then the least we can do is look to see if it's worth dying for.