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The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast

Why Trust Science? by Naomi Oreskes | ARI Bookshelf

Apr 1, 2025
Explore the critical question of when non-experts should trust science. Panelists dive into the role of scientific consensus and specialization in fostering public confidence. They tackle the skepticism surrounding climate science and anti-vaccine claims, examining how personal biases impact perceptions. The discussion also highlights the interplay of culture and ideology in the acceptance of scientific theories like continental drift. Join the conversation as they advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration and informed decision-making in navigating scientific claims.
01:34:55

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Quick takeaways

  • Trust in science is strengthened through a combination of expert consensus, openness to evidence, and self-correcting mechanisms within scientific communities.
  • The podcast emphasizes the impact of societal values and past historical missteps on public distrust in scientific findings, highlighting the need for critical evaluation of contemporary claims.

Deep dives

Understanding Reliable Science

Reliable science is characterized by a combination of expert consensus, openness to evidence, and self-correcting mechanisms within the scientific community. The podcast discusses how individuals can trust scientific findings, particularly when they are not experts in a given field. It highlights that a consensus reached through proper scientific practices is generally more trustworthy, as it indicates that errors have been identified and biases addressed. If the scientific process is functioning healthily, the community's response to evidence strengthens the case for trusting its results.

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