Hubristic Science May Be Undermining Public Trust

Another interesting poll result from the Virginia Commonwealth University (see previous post for link), has to do with the public’s perception of science. “Question 3: Scientific research these days doesn’t pay enough attention to the moral values of society.” Fifty-six percent agreed strongly (25%) or somewhat (31%), versus only 37% who disagree—(23%) somewhat, (14%) strongly. What does that tell us? Perhaps, people are beginning to perceive science as a special interest rather than an objective source of information and advice. If so, those scientists and cloning advocates who spin and jive to win the ongoing political debates have only themselves to blame.