Difference between revisions of "Scientific literacy"
(lack of basic knowledge - as opposed to ideological refusal to accept an idea) |
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== Scientific literacy and pseudoscience == | == Scientific literacy and pseudoscience == | ||
| − | Genuine lack of basic knowledge of science is closely associated with widespread belief in [[astrology]], [[homeopathy]], and various other aspects of [[New | + | Genuine lack of basic knowledge of science is closely associated with widespread belief in [[astrology]], [[homeopathy]], and various other aspects of [[New age]] and [[paranormal]] nonsense. It is also associated with belief in politicized, junk science environmental ideas such as the "threat" of [[manmade global warming]], the "need" for [[asbestos removal]], the "danger" of [[secondhand smoke]], and the "hazard" of using [[DDT]] as an insecticide. |
==Links== | ==Links== | ||
*[http://news.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2010/04/evolution-big-bang-polls-omitted.html Evolution, Big Bang Polls Omitted From NSF Report] | *[http://news.sciencemag.org/scienceinsider/2010/04/evolution-big-bang-polls-omitted.html Evolution, Big Bang Polls Omitted From NSF Report] | ||
Revision as of 16:49, April 9, 2010
Scientific literacy is variously described as being up to date on what scientists say on important topics as well as accepting those views. Thus there is a controversy, where the word "literacy" is stretched to include both having knowledge of a theory and making the decision to agree with it.
For some people, it's perfectly acceptable to be fully conversant with a scientific theory and yet reject it, either on scientific grounds alone or because of religious reasons. However, for some other people, rejection of a scientific theory is tantamount to ignorance; these people imply that only someone who is unaware of the facts or fails to understand them could possibly draw different conclusions.
Scientific literacy and pseudoscience
Genuine lack of basic knowledge of science is closely associated with widespread belief in astrology, homeopathy, and various other aspects of New age and paranormal nonsense. It is also associated with belief in politicized, junk science environmental ideas such as the "threat" of manmade global warming, the "need" for asbestos removal, the "danger" of secondhand smoke, and the "hazard" of using DDT as an insecticide.