Chockstone Forum

      Sponsored By
      ROCK
   HARDWARE

Chockstone Photography

Australian Landscape Prints

Chockstone Forum - General Discussion

General Climbing Discussion

Topic Date User

OT: Moorabal/Lal Lal wind farm 6-Jul-2009 At 12:13:45 PM ni

Message

A short history of skeptics of science:

c.200BC Greek scientists determine that the world is round and measure its diameter with some accuracy. Large numbers of flat earthers dispute this for another 1500 years (or more)

1850s Darwin & the origin of species-you know the story. Skeptics still common

1950s Most scientists in the field believe that enough strong evidence has been accumulated to link smoking and lung cancer. Skeptics don't understand epidemiological evidence and dispute this. It is another three decades before the number of skeptics has declined sufficiently that Governments feel able to take substantial action without losing too many votes.

1970s Unanimous opinion of Australian specialists in the field believe that blue asbestos cannot be mined and used safely and should be banned. Skeptical bureaucrats believe alternatives are too expensive. Skeptical lawyers say asbestos is safe; companies are just using it in a dangerous way. No action until 1986.

1970s Scientific bodies representing many thousands of specialists in the field lobby to have "deep sleep" treatment banned. Skeptical journalists label it a turf war. bureaucrats are clueless. Skeptical lawyers use threats of litigation against the scientists to allow the practice to continue. Not until 1989 or thereabouts is a royal commission established.

c1990 Scientists alarmed at extent of obesity related arterial disease in Sydney 10 year olds and predict large rise in metabolic diseases. 2009- predictions come true- lots of teenages now on drug treatment for previously rare (in kids) type 2 diabetes. Pro-fat skeptics are still around in large numbers.

I have many other examples

Conclusions
1. While there will always be gray areas and hard to define boundaries, when a majority of scientists in the field believe there is strong evidence to support a proposition, they are nearly always right.
2. It always takes a couple of decades before the general public come around to the scientists way of thinking