Unfortunately, it has become quite fashionable to correct others and point to “science” as the basis for your argument and beliefs. While using the word “science” is a broad characterization, I believe that the true message that is being conveyed is that you are stupid and I am more intelligent because I implicently trust the science.
There are very few labels in life that are worse than calling someone stupid.
While the scientific method has resulted in great discoveries and has increased our knowledge of the way things work in nature, it is not foolproof and is subject to changing theories and discoveries. The basis of the scientific method is really observation. Changing different inputs and then watching and documenting the results to get an understanding of how things work. And there are other factors to consider that tend to skew things and pollute the sauce and actually make the “science” stupid.
We are human.
One problem with science is that we tend to interject bias into our studies. We want results to be a certain way to prove or disprove our theories and hypothesis. I believe that it is really impossible to completely remove all bias due to the human condition. We have opinions, feelings, emotions, aspirations, ego, shame, empathy and all of these characteristics are part of being a living and breathing human.
There is art.
The portion of discovery that gets lost is the side opposite of the science. This is the side that could be termed as art. Often there is an element of intuition that goes against the math, the chemistry, the facts. This intuition is difficult to describe and measure yet it is involved in nearly every great discovery.
There is faith (or luck).
When a doctor finishes a medical procedure he will often end with a comment like, “Now we wait to see if this is successful.” Even with all the modern medical innovations there is still the knowledge that, in the end, things may work or they may not. I call this faith. Others may call it luck. Regardless of your viewpoint, there is a realization that even with the best data and knowledge, things don’t always end as planned.
So before you sell out to science and call others stupid for their questioning or apprehension to get on board, consider that your “science” might be flat out wrong. And by making your comments about their failure to believe the science, you are doing harm to both of you. You are likely degrading them for their apprehension to go “all in” and you may actually be the “stupid” party to discount these common failures in science in your self-righteous haste!
Leading by Serving 