The Celebrities and Science Review 2008, prepared by the group Sense About Science, identifies some of the worst examples of scientific illiteracy among those who profess to know better – including top politicians.Appeal to Celebrity is so pervasive. It wouldn't be so bad if celebrities, when asked about something outside their domain of expertise (i.e. something that doesn't require reading from a script they've been given and standing where they're told), said: "I don't know. You should really ask a recognised expert about that." But they don't.
The arrogance of these people, the Jenny McCarthy and Oprah types, who have no second thoughts about their possible lack of knowledge, is astounding. The fact that doctors and scientists study for years to become experts in a field means nothing to them. Their instinct, personal experience and wishful thinking outweighs all. And if doctors and scientists disagree with them it's because they have ulterior motives and are "owned" by "big pharma", etc.
Of course, celebrities are just people. No better or worse than "the average Joe" when it comes to ignorant arrogance. Arguably the "average Joe" is worse. Check out this comment:
Oh, ok, so we should just believe medical science's explanations for everything, though we are sicker than ever before. Let's just continue as we are, shall we? That'll work.It did garner this great reply through:
Posted by Lourdes | 30.12.08, 14:17 GMT
Here's the full Sense About Science Celeb Audit 2008 (pdf)
Hat Tip Fallacy Files
