How not to defend science. A Decalogue for science defenders
Abstract
The public defence of science has never been more important than now. However, it is a difficult task with many pitfalls, and there are mechanisms that can make it counterproductive. This article offers advice for science defenders, summarized in ten commandments that warn against potentially ineffective or even backfiring practices in the defence of science: (1) Do not portray science as a unique type of knowledge. (2) Do not underestimate scientific uncertainty. (3) Do not describe science as infallible. (4) Do not deny the value-ladenness of science. (5) Do not associate with power. (6) Do not blame the victims of disinformation. (7) Do not aim at convincing the anti-scientific propagandists. (8) Do not contribute to the legitimization of pseudoscience. (9) Do not attack religion when it does not conflict with science. (10) Do not call yourself a “sceptic”.
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