A libertarian approach to science

To put it simply, the science is NEVER settled.

Most people I know who identify themselves as libertarian minded greatly appreciate scientific research, advance and the scientific process in general.

Something that we will not, perhaps cannot, abide is a close minded approach to science.  The words "the science is settled" are some of the worst words we know.

Why do we abhor that mindset?  Mostly because we know that science is indeed a process but it is a dependent process.  It depends on objectivity, honesty, integrity, and a dedicated commitment to advancement.

We distrust the scientist who is not objective.  We distrust human nature and the fallibility of mankind in being swayed by fame, fortune and self promotion.

We know that science is directly tied to technology.  Our research and data is only as accurate as the tools and methods we use to collect them.

We know that 1,000 years of seemingly incontrovertible evidence can be overturned in a single day by using a new, more powerful and advanced tool to observe and measure than was available the day before.

We know that perspective can influence our methodology and by applying different approaches and concepts from sometimes seemingly unrelated areas, we can fundamentally change how something is understood.

Question everything.  This doesn't mean be rude or confrontational.  It just means be willing to consider that anything used previously to study something may change at any time.  Be willing to pursue possibilities.

Any scientist or business or politician who demands that the science can not be questioned renders themselves immediately untrustworthy to the libertarian minded observer.

We see them as egotistical and potentially motivated by monetary or political influences.

The science is NEVER settled and must always be questioned.  Every aspect of it.  From the formation of the first hypothesis to the tools and methods in how it is tested, observed, measured and documented.

We trust the "pure" scientific process as it allows for being questioned and being objective as a built-in feature.  We do not trust human nature to be counted on to always get it right.