The Science
Formalized egotism; a set of conclusions typically absent a stated hypothesis. The opposite of science - it is scientism.
The purpose of these approaches is to produce specific outcomes while giving the appearance that real SCIENCE is being done. The outcomes are generally favourable to whoever funded the project, and so the research is constructed around the preferred outcome in order to deceive others of its legitimacy. Even well-meaning researchers may fall victim to the allure of an outcome that is consistent with a stated hypothesis, especially after a lengthy and meticulous project. We want our efforts to have produced something, and doubt is not a particularly profitable product. As a result, the pressure and temptation to generate profitable outcomes that remain consistent with a specified business model is too great for any business or government to ignore.
The only way to prevent becoming parasitized by this formalized egotism is to demand access to the research and read it for ourselves. This typically requires money, some amount of scientific literacy, and a great deal of time we are willing to sacrifice in lieu of the litany of other things we would likely rather be doing on any given day.
Because most of us are not willing to do this, we happily settle for adopting and regurgitating The Science as though it were the real thing, even if it means destroying our civilization because an EXPERT said so.
Posted: 2 Jan 2023
