What distinguishes science from pseudo-science?
Why is confirmation bias so hard to overcome?
Why were many great scientists in history were labeled heretics?
And why have so many crank theories been empowered and killed millions of people?
The next time I teach philosophy of science, this “Scientific Heresy” talk by Matt Ridley will be on the reading list.
Related: Philosopher of science Karl Popper on science versus pseudo-science, in the Philosophers, Explained series.
Also related:
The “Monsanto is evil” puzzle.
Barry Marshall, ulcers, and resistance to discovery.
Medical politics in ancient Greece.
The great Renaissance medical bloodletting controversy.
Anatomy and philosophy.
Iatrochemists: why iron salts cure anemia.
Two cautionary tales about cholera, the plague, and politics.