Why trust science? The answer is all around us.

Published in Science and Technology on Monday, August 4th 2025 at 10:02 GMT by New Hampshire Bulletin
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"Why Trust Science" is the title of a book written a few years ago by Naomi Oreskes. It asks the question and provides an answer that everyone should understand. Oreskes makes the case that the scientific method and its reliance on research, publication, confirmation through repetition, and ever more research which is all exposed [ ]

Why Trust Science? The Answer Is All Around You

In an era marked by misinformation, conspiracy theories, and skepticism toward established institutions, the question of why we should trust science has never been more pertinent. Science, often portrayed as an abstract pursuit conducted in sterile labs by detached experts, is in fact deeply intertwined with our daily lives. From the smartphones in our pockets to the vaccines that protect us from deadly diseases, the fruits of scientific inquiry surround us, providing tangible evidence of its reliability. This article delves into the reasons behind trusting science, exploring its methods, successes, and self-correcting nature, while addressing common doubts and misconceptions.

At its core, science is not a collection of infallible truths but a rigorous process for understanding the world. The scientific method—formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and subjecting findings to peer review—ensures that knowledge is built on evidence rather than conjecture. This process is inherently self-correcting; errors are identified and rectified through replication and scrutiny. For instance, consider the history of medical science. In the 19th century, the germ theory of disease, proposed by Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch, revolutionized healthcare. Before this, illnesses were attributed to "bad air" or divine punishment. Through meticulous experimentation, scientists disproved these notions, leading to sanitation practices, antibiotics, and vaccines that have extended human lifespan dramatically. Today, the average global life expectancy has risen from around 30 years in the 1800s to over 70, largely thanks to scientific advancements in public health.

One of the most compelling arguments for trusting science is its track record of practical achievements. Look no further than the technology we rely on daily. The principles of physics and engineering, derived from centuries of scientific research, power everything from electricity to aviation. Thomas Edison's light bulb, often romanticized as a solo invention, was built on the foundational work of scientists like Michael Faraday, who discovered electromagnetic induction. Similarly, the internet, a product of computer science and information theory pioneered by figures like Alan Turing and Claude Shannon, connects billions worldwide. These innovations aren't mere coincidences; they stem from testable, repeatable scientific principles. When we board an airplane, we're trusting aerodynamics and materials science, fields that have been refined through countless experiments and failures, resulting in safer travel than ever before.

Medicine provides another vivid illustration. The development of the COVID-19 vaccines in record time during the global pandemic showcased science's adaptability and efficacy. Using mRNA technology, which had been researched for decades, scientists created vaccines that prevented millions of deaths. Skeptics questioned their safety, pointing to rare side effects, but extensive clinical trials and real-world data have affirmed their benefits outweigh the risks. This isn't blind faith; it's evidence-based confidence. Historical parallels abound: the eradication of smallpox through vaccination campaigns in the 20th century stands as a monumental triumph. Once a scourge that killed hundreds of millions, smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980 by the World Health Organization, thanks to coordinated scientific efforts. Such successes underscore that science delivers results that improve human welfare on a massive scale.

Yet, why does distrust persist? Part of the answer lies in cognitive biases and the spread of misinformation. Humans are wired to favor anecdotes over statistics; a single story of a vaccine side effect can overshadow data showing 99% efficacy. Social media amplifies this, with algorithms promoting sensational content over nuanced explanations. Moreover, science's provisional nature—where theories can evolve with new evidence—can be misinterpreted as unreliability. For example, early nutritional advice on fats and cholesterol has been updated as research advanced, leading some to claim science "flip-flops." In reality, this reflects progress; science refines its understanding, much like how Einstein's relativity built upon Newton's gravity without invalidating it entirely.

Addressing these doubts requires recognizing science's built-in safeguards. Peer review, where experts scrutinize research before publication, filters out flawed studies. While not perfect—occasional retractions occur—it's a robust check against fraud. Institutions like the National Academies of Sciences provide consensus reports on complex issues, distilling evidence from thousands of studies. Climate change offers a prime example. Despite political controversies, the overwhelming scientific consensus, backed by data from ice cores, satellite imagery, and temperature records, confirms human-induced warming. Organizations like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) synthesize this evidence, guiding policies that mitigate disasters. Trusting this isn't ideological; it's acknowledging the convergence of independent lines of inquiry.

Science also thrives on diversity and global collaboration, further bolstering its credibility. Researchers from varied backgrounds challenge assumptions, reducing bias. International projects, such as the Human Genome Project, which mapped our DNA in 2003, involved scientists from multiple countries, leading to breakthroughs in personalized medicine and treatments for genetic disorders. This collaborative spirit ensures that findings are not the product of isolated echo chambers but of collective rigor.

Critics often point to instances where science has been wrong or misused, such as the eugenics movement in the early 20th century or the Tuskegee syphilis study, which unethically withheld treatment from Black men. These dark chapters highlight the importance of ethics in science, now governed by strict guidelines like the Belmont Report, which emphasizes respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. They serve as reminders that science is a human endeavor, prone to societal flaws, but one that learns from mistakes. Modern bioethics committees and institutional review boards prevent such abuses, ensuring research prioritizes human rights.

In everyday life, the evidence for trusting science is ubiquitous. The food we eat is safer due to microbiology and toxicology; preservatives and testing prevent outbreaks like those from E. coli. Transportation safety owes much to crash-test simulations and engineering physics. Even entertainment—streaming services, high-definition TVs—relies on quantum mechanics and electronics. Environmental science informs conservation efforts, preserving biodiversity through data-driven strategies. Astronomy, while seemingly esoteric, has practical spin-offs: GPS technology stems from relativity and satellite research.

Ultimately, trusting science doesn't mean accepting every claim uncritically; it means engaging with the evidence and understanding the process. Science invites skepticism—it's designed for it. As Carl Sagan noted, "Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge." By fostering scientific literacy, societies can better navigate challenges like pandemics, climate change, and technological disruption. Education plays a key role; teaching critical thinking and the scientific method equips people to discern fact from fiction.

In conclusion, the answer to why we should trust science is indeed all around us—in the devices we use, the health we enjoy, and the knowledge that propels humanity forward. While imperfections exist, science's methodical approach, proven successes, and capacity for improvement make it our most reliable tool for truth. Embracing it isn't just rational; it's essential for a thriving future. As we face uncertainties, from AI ethics to space exploration, science remains our guiding light, illuminating paths based on evidence rather than shadows of doubt. (Word count: 1,048)

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Why trust science? The answer is all around us.

Why Trust Science? The Answer Is All Around You