Enlightenment?

Many Still Reject Science and Critical Reasoning

On any issue there will be people who determine their beliefs by methods other than a systematically careful evaluation of the evidence. The pressure to conform one’s beliefs to the beliefs of those close to you can be overwhelming.

Recent surveys indicate that large percentages of Americans fail to accept the conclusions of science and critical reasoning. We should recognize that the word conclusion has connotations that are stronger than the meaning intended here. For example, when the word conclusion is used in the context of mathematics or logic, the implication is that the conclusion is a demonstrated necessary truth (given the premises or the initial values of the variables. In science, however, conclusions are never absolute or necessary truths. Scientific conclusions are always tentative and contingent on the quantity and quality of the best available data and the state of our current understanding. Given new data, better measuring devices and better understanding of the problems, we can expect that many of our current scientific beliefs will be revised or made more precise at some point in the future.

Evidence that Americans reject the (current) conclusions of science:

Only about 60% of Americans accept the claim that current species of plants and animals are a product of evolutionary processes.

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/01/03/republican-views-on-evolution-tracking-how-its-changed/

About 30% of Americans reject the view that human beings are causing global warming.

http://environment.yale.edu/climate-communication/filtered/?action=add_filter&5=5

About 40% of Americans believe in ESP and 20% believe that witches exist. In all, about 60% of Americans believe in one form of paranormal experience or ability, i.e., knowledge that can be gained through a source other than the five senses or exhibiting powers or behaviors that are not natural.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/16915/three-four-americans-believe-paranormal.aspx

Posted Jan 4, 2014