<Science is...being open to a change of mind>
That's the hard part. Once we've reached a conclusion, we start filtering all new info, discounting data that contradicts our cherished theories, and clinging to data that supports it. Everyone knows everyone else does this...and everyone denies they themselves do it.
The observer always observes from their own peculiar view-point; all of our thinking, and all the conclusions that result, are partly (and sometimes purely) faith-based; it is arrogant and Utopian, for anyone to claim their thinking is Pure Reason.
Everyone does this: I do it, you do, and so does every scientist pro and con GW. That's my point: objectivity is a myth. As an ideal, it's fine, as long as we always admit we'll never actually reach that ideal.
As a habit, I disclose my position, because I know it will affect my thinking. I want to know who is paying the salary of every scientist or analyst I read. Also, I've noticed, those who loudly proclaim their own objectivity, and loudly accuse their opponents of bias, tend to be the most biased themselves. I can think of several examples among frequent posters here; I'll bet you can too. |
