"Believe Science"

(as long as it's MY version of science)

“Believe in Science” is a phrase that has lately began to pop on social media like rock candy. Usually, to shame those who have a divergent viewpoint on something like the pandemic, or god forbid, environmental issues. Immediately, they are dubbed “anti-science.” Except, science is not a religion to be believed or worshipped. Nor is it a political movement and social signalling extravaganza, despite all those rallying cries to “believe science” or “trust the science.” Science is not something to be reduced to a bumper sticker.

In truth, what many are actually indicating is that they accept a groupthink on a particular claim that their tribe has arrived at a social consensus on.  Those who disagree on that specific claim, or merely seek to explore it further are often deemed science deniers, to be dismissed and ridiculed. Ironically, if pushed, most of these “followers of science” probably have very little deep scientific understanding that’s required to actually grasp the subjects at …