Ignorance: The War for Science

"Sex carnivals, drag queens are welcome, Ken Ham and other creationists are not, university says."  "California cities and crazy climate change lawsuits-Do as I say, not as I do."  "Measles Outbreak in Minnesota Caused by Vaccine Skeptics"  This collection of headlines, the first two courtesy of Fox News, and the third courtesy of NBC paint a poor picture on the state of science in the modern world.  Consider also the Flat Earth Society twitter page's 44,000 followers.  The modern world is rejecting science in many ways, either by outright rejecting claims or by creating holes where none exist.  According to a 2015 Pew Research Center article, 57% of Americans believe genetically modified organisms (GMO's) are unsafe for human consumption

This information is problematic.  Fundamental scientific principles are being denied by Americans, resulting in tangible problems.  All of these problems can be traced to one root cause: a lack of scientific understanding.  The previously referenced Pew Research Center article also showed this concern among scientists.  "Among scientists, the public’s knowledge about science — or lack thereof — is widely considered to be a major (84%) or minor (14%) problem for the field."  Scientists traced this problem back primarily to K-12 education, with 75% of those polled believing this to be a major factor.  It seems clear then that science must be taught better in K-12 schools.  

My science education was very unorthodox.  My homeschool background meant I was taught a variety of views on science.  Fellow homeschoolers often accepted the Biblical notion of Creationism, believed that GMO's were harmful to humans, and that vaccinations were harmful and to be avoided in most cases.  I read from biology books laughing at the idea of evolution.  Meanwhile, my dad supported my interests in science.  His teaching philosophy, forever built around Socrates, involved questioning that which I learned.  It was his voice that I followed, drawing me back to the teachings of science.  However, without the understanding he gave me, it is likely I would have accepted the teachings of my peers.  None of us are born with a disposition to one understanding or another, but are taught those worldviews.  

Real consequences are being experienced due to the public's mistrust of science.  Diseases nearly eradicated in the past are resurging.  The sea levels rise, threatening coastal life.  These truths must be addressed, but the only way to do this is education.  The issues we face stem from misinformation and ignorance.  The only way to fight these enemies is by systematic education.  Do not stand idly by while people spread misinformation.  Ignorance has had its way for a long time, it will take time to defeat it. 

References:

Sex carnivals, drag queens are welcome, Ken Ham and other creationists are not, university says. (2018, February 07). Retrieved March 07, 2018, from http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2018/02/07/sex-carnivals-drag-queens-are-welcome-ken-ham-and-other-creationists-are-not-university-says.html

California cities and crazy climate change lawsuits - Do as I say, not as I do. (2018, February 19). Retrieved March 07, 2018, from http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2018/02/19/california-cities-and-crazy-climate-change-lawsuits-do-as-say-not-as-do.html

Anti-vaccine 'propaganda' is driving Minnesota's measles outbreak. (n.d.). Retrieved March 07, 2018, from https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/measles-outbreak-minnesota-caused-vaccine-skeptics-n756246

Funk, C., & Rainie, L. (2015, January 29). Public and Scientists' Views on Science and Society. Retrieved March 07, 2018, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/01/29/public-and-scientists-views-on-science-and-society/