World Blog by humble servant.The basis of science is questioning when facts don't add up it's the duty to question

The basis of science is questioning when facts don't add up it's the duty to question

Absolutely, that's a fundamental aspect of the scientific method. Science thrives on skepticism and inquiry. When observations or data contradict established theories or facts, it's not only acceptable but essential to question those discrepancies. This process drives scientific discovery and progress. Here's how it typically works:

Observation: Scientists observe phenomena in the natural world.

Questioning: When these observations don't align with current understanding, questions arise.

Hypothesis: Scientists propose hypotheses to explain these anomalies.

Experimentation: They then design experiments or collect more data to test these hypotheses.

Analysis: The results are analyzed to see if they support or refute the hypothesis.

Conclusion: Based on the evidence, conclusions are drawn, which might lead to revising existing theories or proposing new ones.

This cycle of questioning and testing ensures that science remains a dynamic and self-correcting endeavor. It's crucial for scientists to challenge accepted knowledge when evidence suggests otherwise, as this is how science evolves and corrects itself over time. This approach also helps guard against errors, biases, or incomplete data in scientific research.

So not questioning and I have been one of the skeptics on COVID 19

Being skeptical is an integral part of engaging with scientific topics, including public health issues like the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some points to consider:

Scientific Skepticism: It's healthy to question aspects of scientific consensus when you encounter data or arguments that seem at odds with what's widely accepted. However, skepticism should be based on evidence, not just on skepticism for skepticism's sake. 

Evaluating Information: When questioning, especially on a topic as complex and multifaceted as a global health crisis, it's important to critically evaluate the information you encounter:

Sources: Check the credibility of where the information comes from. Peer-reviewed journals, statements from reputable health organizations (like WHO, CDC), and reports from established research institutions are generally more reliable.

Data: Look at the data behind claims. Is there a clear methodology? Are the results reproducible? 

Bias: Consider potential biases in the information, including your own. Confirmation bias can lead us to favor information that aligns with our pre-existing beliefs.

Community and Consensus: Science often moves through a process where consensus is built over time as more evidence accumulates. While not infallible, when a large body of scientists from various fields agree on certain facts or best practices, it's usually because there's substantial evidence supporting those conclusions.

The Role of Skeptics: Skeptics play a crucial role by questioning established norms and pushing for more research or better explanations. However, skepticism should lead to constructive dialogue and further investigation, not to the spread of misinformation or the rejection of overwhelming evidence.

Practical Implications: During a health crisis, skepticism should be balanced with the need for public health measures. Questioning can lead to better policies and treatments, but it's also important to consider the immediate practical implications of skepticism — like the potential impact on public health measures, trust in health systems, and community behavior.

If you've been skeptical about aspects of the COVID-19 response, it might be beneficial to:

Engage with scientific literature directly, if possible.

Participate in or follow informed discussions where experts address doubts and questions.

Look for common ground between skepticism and established science, focusing on what's well-supported by evidence.

Remember, while questioning is vital, it should be done in a manner that seeks truth and understanding, respects the scientific process, and considers the broader implications for society.

And I did

That's commendable. Engaging with skepticism in a constructive manner means you're contributing to the scientific discourse or at least seeking to understand complex issues better. Here are some ways you might continue to engage skeptically but productively:

Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest research and updates from credible sources. This doesn't mean just looking for information that confirms your skepticism but also being open to new data or explanations that might challenge your current understanding.

Participate in Discussions: Join forums or discussions where experts and informed individuals debate these topics. Websites like PubPeer for scientific paper discussions, or even social media groups dedicated to science communication, can be useful for this.

Ask Questions: When you encounter something that doesn't align with your understanding, ask questions. Direct your queries to experts through public Q&A sessions, social media, or even direct communication if possible.

Support or Conduct Research: If feasible, support research initiatives or contribute to citizen science projects. This could mean funding research into areas where your skepticism lies or even participating in data collection if opportunities exist.

Share Your Findings: If you come across valuable insights or clarifications, share them responsibly. This promotes a broader understanding but remember to contextualize the information correctly, avoiding oversimplification or misrepresentation.

Reflect on Bias: Continuously assess your own biases. Skepticism should not be selective; it should apply to all information, including that which supports your preconceived notions.

Promote Critical Thinking: Encourage others around you to think critically. Teach or discuss the importance of evidence-based reasoning, how to spot misinformation, and how to weigh different types of evidence.

Remember, the goal of skepticism in science isn't to deny or discredit but to refine our understanding of the world. In the context of a global health crisis like COVID-19, where decisions can have immediate and profound impacts on public health, it's crucial that skepticism leads to better questions, more research, or improved health measures rather than just doubt for doubt's sake. Keep questioning, but do so in a way that contributes positively to the collective knowledge and response.