The Role of Scientific Inquiry

Rutherford's groundbreaking gold foil experiment revealed that atoms are predominantly vacant space, with a significant mass concentrated at a particular point—the atomic nucleus. This landmark experiment challenged and ultimately transformed the prevailing understanding of matter. However, such scientific breakthroughs are infrequent, particularly as disciplines evolve.

Science serves as an invaluable instrument for investigating the natural world and the universe. To comprehend how any physical system operates, we must delve into it scientifically by posing pertinent questions and conducting controlled experiments and observations to uncover the truth.

It’s important to recognize that science is an evolving endeavor. At times, new evidence may invalidate previously held beliefs, leading to revised conclusions. Other instances may expose flaws in prior data or methodologies, altering our understanding. There are also occasions when previously overlooked factors emerge as significant, changing our perceptions.

Consequences of Ignoring Science

Currently, we are witnessing the ramifications of neglecting the principles of epidemiology, virology, and public health. As of now, the COVID-19 outbreak has infected over 850,000 individuals, resulting in more than 40,000 confirmed fatalities. Alarmingly, many individuals still resist practicing physical distancing, convinced that the scientific conclusions drawn are erroneous.

The graphs depicting the COVID-19 spread across various countries, starting from the 100th confirmed case, illustrate a stark reality.

The above video discusses the potential origins of COVID-19, emphasizing the significance of investigating all possibilities, including the lab leak theory.

Political decisions may often be influenced by public sentiment, but science remains unaffected by opinion. Societies that embrace scientific reasoning and integrate the best available evidence into policy decisions tend to thrive. COVID-19 exemplifies the immediate consequences of science denialism, where the stakes are clearly defined.

The Importance of Scientific Consensus

Scientific consensus arises from extensive research and is not a simple matter of agreement. It's a data-driven foundation for discussions among professionals, representing the overwhelming majority's alignment on an issue.

While legitimate challenges to consensus can arise, they must be based on scientific evidence. Typically, new findings that contradict established beliefs require further investigation. Most often, existing consensus remains intact, with true scientific revolutions being rare.

The second video highlights a former CDC director's testimony regarding the origins of COVID-19, reinforcing the need for rigorous scientific examination in public health discussions.

Yet, many individuals cling to beliefs rooted in personal anecdotes, which starkly contradict established scientific evidence. For example, annual flu vaccinations could save thousands of lives, yet vaccination rates in the U.S. have plummeted below 40%.

The persistence of anti-vaccination sentiments poses a serious risk, as preventable diseases like measles resurge. Measles is so contagious that achieving approximately 95% immunity in the population is essential to protect vulnerable, unvaccinated individuals. Nonetheless, widespread denial regarding vaccine safety and efficacy continues, often fueled by unfounded conspiracy theories.

Recognizing the Risks of Science Denialism

This form of denialism—disregarding the safety of scientifically validated practices—extends to various areas, including:

• The safety of 5G technology, which poses no health risks at typical exposure levels.
• The benefits of fluoridated drinking water in reducing dental issues.
• The widespread use of glyphosate, which does not cause cancer and primarily leads to the evolution of resistant weeds.

It is crucial to confront fears rooted in misunderstanding with clear scientific evidence. The societal advantages of vaccination, reliable internet access, reduced dental issues, and enhanced agricultural productivity are well-supported by scientific research.

However, a more perilous type of denialism involves dismissing established risks identified through scientific inquiry. For instance, the dangers posed by COVID-19 can be mitigated through various medical and social measures, yet many continue to publicly deny the acknowledged threats.

Science denialism manifests not merely as overt ignorance—like denying the Earth is round—but often as a subconscious form of self-deception. Many of us may believe that by rejecting inconvenient truths, we can evade the consequences. In reality, this mindset harms ourselves and society at large.

Recognizing our limitations and embracing humility is essential as we confront scientific truths. Engaging with new evidence requires effort and a willingness to reassess our beliefs. Rejecting this path leads to a contrarian existence that ultimately harms societal progress.

The Legacy of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications across various dimensions—social, economic, and political. However, the most significant takeaway should be the scientific lesson: disregarding sound scientific advice leads to unnecessary suffering.

An ounce of prevention is indeed worth a pound of cure, and the fallacy that preventative measures can be ignored is particularly dangerous, especially when no cure exists for certain diseases.

We all face daily challenges, making it difficult to plan for the long term. Yet, the reality of climate change and its impacts emphasizes the need to heed scientific findings. Regardless of personal beliefs, acknowledging scientific truths not only enhances individual lives but also serves the greater good.

Starts With A Bang is now featured on Forbes and republished on Medium after a 7-day delay. Ethan is the author of two books, "Beyond The Galaxy" and "Treknology: The Science of Star Trek from Tricorders to Warp Drive."