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Where is the truth

Posted: 15 May 2018, 07:31
by woodburner
I came across this report. A long read of 72 pages (and I haven’t read even half of them yet). It applies to at least several, if not many, of the topics discussed on PS where the grenerally held view must be correct, but how correct is it, even if supported by peer review?

So I’ve stuck it in “General�, though it could have been in several other forums.

Look up “Lönnstedt and plastic micro beads� to illustrate the problem.
Incompetence and fraud together create a borderland of confusion in the sciences. Articles in prestigious journals appear to speak with authority on matters that only a small number of readers can assess critically. Non-specialists generally are left to trust that what purports to be a contribution to human knowledge has been scrutinized by capable people and found trustworthy. Only we now know that a very significant percentage of such reports are not to be trusted. What passes as “knowledge� is in fact fiction. And the existence of so many fictions in the guise of science gives further fuel to those who seek to politicize the sciences. The Lönnstedt and Muller cases exemplify not just scientific fraud, but also efforts to advance political agendas. All of the forms of intellectual decline in the sciences thus tend to converge. The politicization of science lowers standards, and lower standards invite further politicization.

Posted: 15 May 2018, 08:15
by fuzzy
An excellent read, and very easily understood. Many thanks. I suppose there needs to be a robust formal system for the boring subject of retesting articles, which needs a modest reward in itself. Perhaps school and college teachers could get 2 years pension contribution and some paid leave from work [like jury duty] for every paper they reproduce, using a formal forensic style. This reduces the greed, since it only allows earlier retirement, and maybe some kudos or promotion.

Posted: 15 May 2018, 10:27
by BritDownUnder
The truth is out there....