Why Trust Science?

Naomi Oreskes emphasizes the role of consensus in scientific research. When scientists agree on a theory, it's not because they're blindly following a trend, but because the evidence supports it. So, when you see a scientific consensus, it's a good sign that the theory is reliable.

Oreskes points out that science is a social process. It's not just about individual genius, but about collaboration, discussion, and peer review. This social aspect helps to ensure that scientific findings are robust and reliable.

Trust is a key theme in 'Why Trust Science?'. Oreskes argues that we need to trust scientists, not because they're always right, but because the scientific process is designed to correct mistakes and move towards the truth. Trust in science, therefore, is trust in this process.

In her book, Oreskes warns about the dangers of science denial. She shows how ignoring scientific consensus can lead to harmful consequences, like climate change and public health crises. It's a call to action for everyone to take scientific findings seriously.

Finally, 'Why Trust Science?' highlights the importance of scientific literacy. Oreskes encourages everyone to learn about science, not just to understand the world better, but to make informed decisions about our lives and society. It's a reminder that science isn't just for scientists, but for all of us.