Understanding the Disconnect: Science and Conservative Beliefs
Written on
Chapter 1: The Nature of Scientific Consensus
Scientific consensus refers to the collective agreement reached by a majority of experts in a specific area of study at a given point in time. Yet, when listening to some conservative viewpoints, one might imagine a small group of scientists conspiring in secret to push a certain narrative. This perspective often positions them as pawns of political figures, such as President Biden, or even as part of a so-called "deep state."
Growing up in a fundamentalist evangelical household, I witnessed firsthand how my parents believed that the 1950s represented the height of divine intention, with everything since then being a decline. They held firm beliefs in binary gender concepts, rejected the existence of intersex individuals, and questioned the reality of dinosaurs.
This mindset is not uncommon among conservatives in America. The skepticism toward scientific inquiry could elicit laughter if it weren’t so disheartening.
To clarify for those who may have experienced similar indoctrination, scientific consensus signifies that numerous interconnected scientific fields have collectively supported a particular theory.
Section 1.1: Climate Change Consensus
For instance, the scientific community largely agrees that global temperatures have risen in recent decades, attributing this phenomenon predominantly to human activities, especially greenhouse gas emissions.
How was this consensus established? Did a figure like George Soros pressure scientists into a collective agreement aimed at disappointing conservatives? Not at all.
In truth, various scientific disciplines have independently produced corroborating evidence supporting this conclusion. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change asserts that human-induced climate change is a reality. A review of 928 scientific papers published from 1993 to 2003 revealed that none refuted the established consensus regarding human-caused climate change.
The process of scientific consensus works as follows: meteorologists share their climate change findings, oceanographers present complementary research, and geologists, along with other specialists, contribute their insights. When experts from diverse scientific backgrounds arrive at the same conclusion based on their research, that is what constitutes scientific consensus.
Subsection 1.1.1: Misinformation's Impact
Section 1.2: The Challenge of Acceptance
Despite the overwhelming evidence surrounding topics like climate change, COVID-19, and the Big Bang Theory, many conservative Christians resist accepting the scientific consensus. Why is this the case?
A significant factor is the misleading narratives disseminated by networks such as Fox News. Research published in the Public Understanding of Science identified five primary tactics used by Fox News to undermine prevailing scientific views: 1. Presenting dissenters as credible experts. 2. Disparaging peer-reviewed research and scientific institutions. 3. Equating science with liberal ideologies. 4. Accusing scientists of manipulating data for funding. 5. Framing climate science as a form of religion.
Chapter 2: Overcoming Misinformation
The first video, "Only 6% of Scientists Are Republicans," explores the political affiliations of scientists and highlights the disconnect between scientific understanding and conservative beliefs.
The second video, "Streaming, Politics, & Philosophy | @destiny | EP 433," delves into the intersections of politics and science, providing insights into the ongoing debates and misinformation surrounding these critical issues.
The challenge remains: how can one change deeply ingrained beliefs shaped by years of misinformation? The systematic spread of false information is pervasive. It is crucial that we strive to challenge and dispel these narratives effectively.