Scientific consensus
From RationalWiki
Scientific consensus is what most scientists in a particular field of study agree is true on a given question, when disagreement on the question is limited and insignificant.
The consensus may or may not turn out to be confirmed by further research. When it is, a hypothesis becomes known as a (lower-case) theory, or, given enough time and evidence, an (upper case) Theory, such as Einstein's theory of relativity. Numerous times in the history of science one theory has been superceded by another as anomalies or counter-examples accrued over time and the scientific community has discarded an older theory in favor of a new theory which accounted for more of the data in a more satisfactory way. This often occurs as the result of improvements in the accuracy of the instruments used to observe, record and measure phenomena.
However, Nobel Prize laureate and Former Vice-President al-Gore says the scientific consensus on Global Warming has been reached and all future debate is not allowed. The debate is kaput. No longer falsifiable. Closed for further discussion:
"The scientific community has gone through this chapter and verse. We have long since passed the time when we should pretend this is a 'on the one hand, on the other hand' issue. It's not a matter of theory or conjecture, for goodness sake."
[edit] See also
- Essay:Scientific consensus for a more thorough examination of this topic
