Americans must stop embracing pseudoscience

The definition of science seems to be up for debate in this country. Scientific inquiry and careful experimentation are no longer valued. Widely-proven and commonly accepted truths have given way to pseudoscience, a field that is beginning to dominate politics, popular culture and our daily lives.

In small amounts, pseudoscience can be harmless. When used in a creative way, fake statistics and exaggerated statements elevate the quality of fictional works and comedy routines. Unfortunately, unscientific knowledge has become a dominant force in our society, taking on many forms, including childhood vaccine opposition, HIV/AIDS denialists and global warming skepticism.

The true threat of pseudoscience is that it takes on the form of scientifically-derived thought, easily fooling those who lack a quality science education. The effectiveness of pseudoscience can be explained by psychology, especially in the study of cognitive biases and patterns. Our minds seek rational explanations for what takes place in the world around us, and we are especially willing to agree with a theory from someone with a supposed authority that affirms our personal experiences.

Incidents of pseudoscience are often presented comically in the media. It was easy to laugh at reports regarding Jane Mann, a North Carolina resident who spoke out against a proposed solar power plant. Mann claimed that solar panels prevent surrounding plants from performing photosynthesis and could even lead to increased cancer deaths in the area. The fact that she was a retired science teacher provided additional encouragement for the entire world to make fun of her.

Unfortunately, fake science often leads to terrible results, especially when our country’s leaders prove to be ignorant of scientific processes. For example, the 2012 election cycle was full of controversies regarding statements made by politicians about rape and pregnancy. Todd Akin, the Republican candidate for a U.S. Senate seat in Missouri, said that pregnancies resulting from “legitimate rape” are extremely rare since “the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.”

Assertions that pregnant victims of rape are not true victims makes it harder for them to receive justice and access necessary medical services. Despite the barrage of criticism that followed these statements, the public profile of these individuals will influence other Americans and thus worsen rape culture.  

Recent history gives us many examples of pseudoscience killing massive amounts of innocent lives. The anti-vaccine movement taking place has led to hundreds being infected in outbreaks of harmful diseases. The CDC had declared measles to be completely eliminated in the United States in 2000, but hundreds of cases have been reported in the last two years. Most of these patients were unvaccinated and were infected following visits to Disneyland. Although pediatricians and researchers emphasize the safety of immunizations, a handful of poorly-run studies with improper methodologies continue to persuade scientifically-illiterate parents.

The list of tragedies caused by pseudoscience goes on. Former South African President Thabo Mbeki’s HIV/AIDS denialist policies led to at least 330,000 preventable deaths and an epidemic that continues to wreak havoc on the country. Eugenic and scientific racism influenced Nazi Germany to kill six million Jews and murder five million Romanians, Slavs, persons with disabilities and other “genetically inferior” groups. A similar philosophy was also used to justify segregationist policies and forced sterilization programs in the United States.

If history is any indication, pseudoscience will continue to have devastating effects in the near future. The best way to address this problem is to ensure that all students are scientifically literate and receive a quality education in the physical and life sciences. Even more important than the regurgitation of facts is the ability to critically evaluate research studies and accurately interpret conclusions. Students must also be able to seek information and learn more about topics using credible sources.

This sounds like a simple solution, but a handful of social barriers must be addressed in the process. Our society often treats the sciences as a scary and inaccessible field, and those who enter the humanities are encouraged to stay far away from biology, physics, and chemistry.

This attitude is even prevalent on college campuses, where the physical and life sciences are widely classified as the hardest majors. Because of these attitudes, many individuals enter politics and government without a basic level of scientific knowledge. This leads to the dangerous position of elected officials making policies about topics that are alien to them.

We must fight these attitudes of exclusion and encourage all Americans to approach science with an inquisitive and open-minded attitude. This cultural shift must also include a willingness to expand scientific investigation and give researchers the resources they need to investigate problems afflicting our society. In times of economic uncertainty, projects that increase our understanding of the world should not be the first to be eliminated.

The scientific method cannot answer every single possible question, but it will guide us in the right direction. Science, not pseudoscience, should be used to inform all of our decisions whether they are personal or political. The fight against pseudoscience is definitely not easy but together we can save our society from future preventable tragedies.

Justin Joseph, Contributing Columnist