Understanding the Impact of Groupthink and Trolls on Science
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Chapter 1: The Value of Intellectual Discourse
The insights shared by Naval Ravikant during his rare podcast appearances are invaluable. His recent follow-up interview on the Tim Ferris Show, which aired on October 15, 2020, offers an enlightening discussion on various topics, particularly the state of science. Although I realize that not everyone has the time or inclination to immerse themselves in lengthy podcasts, I encourage those who can to invest in the full two-hour episode, which covers a range of subjects from happiness to cryptocurrency strategies. For this article, however, I will concentrate on his thoughts regarding science.
Listening to my Twitter feed has become a chore, filled with what seems like a growing trend of absurdity. I often find that self-proclaimed "experts" are misrepresenting the essence of science. When I have questioned their interpretations or critiques of scientific papers shared online, I’ve faced aggressive backlash from their followers, including personal attacks, mockery, and accusations of being a science denier. It appears that their interpretation of "science" holds greater authority than mine.
Image by Ryan McGuire from Pixabay.
One particularly misguided individual, who labels himself a health consumer advocate, went as far as lodging a lengthy complaint against me with my regulatory body. This complaint was based on selected tweets and posts, some of which I no longer endorse or even recall posting. This individual, a PhD holder from my own alma mater, has no practical clinical experience and thus lacks a real-world understanding of how science applies to patient care.
My approach to practice evolves continuously based on the latest evidence from research. What I provided a decade ago is vastly different from my current practice, as scientific knowledge is not static but rather evolves over time. Clinicians adapt their methods based on the best available evidence, which can lead to the cessation or continuation of certain health services.
As an active clinician, I rely on both extensive peer-reviewed studies and the invaluable insights gained from hands-on experience. This practical application of the scientific method aligns with its core principles: falsifiability and verifiability, which draw from both large-scale studies and individual clinical observations.
Section 1.1: The Misunderstanding of Science
The individual I previously mentioned seems oblivious to these fundamental principles of science, which he likely failed to grasp during his PhD training. In his narrow view, which lacks practical grounding, he operates in an insular world where dissenting opinions are unwelcome, leading to a culture of conformity among his peers.
Richard Feynman once stated, "Science is the belief in the ignorance of experts." If something cannot be disproven, it should not be classified as scientific. True science thrives on skepticism and the ability to be challenged. It involves making bold predictions that can be rigorously tested, without allowing for retrospective adjustments to the criteria.
Section 1.2: The Dangers of Groupthink in Science
The following attributes characterize robust scientific inquiry, as highlighted by Naval:
- Falsifiability
- Independent verifiability
- The capacity to make precise and risky predictions that are difficult to modify after the fact
Successful science arises from empirical testing rather than from public consensus or social media votes. Unfortunately, the line between science and politics has blurred, leading to a troubling trend of politicization within the scientific realm.
In this context, we witness a phenomenon where science is being democratized inappropriately, leading to a dilution of its core essence. Nassim Taleb aptly remarked that "the opposite of education is not ignorance. The opposite of education is social science." While this statement might seem harsh, there is a kernel of truth in it. Science does not cater to emotions; it demands rigor and objectivity.
Chapter 2: The Consequences of Social Science on Scientific Integrity
The video titled "What Trolls: Band Together teaches us about plagiarism and creativity" delves into the detrimental effects of online trolling on the scientific discourse. The implications of social dynamics on the pursuit of truth and the integrity of scientific inquiry are profound.
In summary, groupthink and the influence of trolls have seriously compromised the integrity of scientific discourse. It is crucial to recognize these issues and foster conversations that challenge the status quo. The scientific method is under siege from these social pressures, and it is time to expose the faux advocates of "science" for what they truly are.
Note: The insights shared in this article are paraphrased and/or transcribed from Naval’s interview on the Tim Ferris Show, which is accessible on various podcast platforms.