Why has science and the role of scientist been so eroded that charlatans prosper? Looking back on the origins it is perhaps reasonable to look at the COVID epidemic as a turning point in what is a longstanding erosion of trust. The false report of a link between thimerosal containing vaccines and autism published in the Lancet by Wakefield may be considered a the modern renewal of mistrust in science. Despite multiple research dispelling the assumption, Kennedy and his cohorts still believe the linkage exists. But this phenomenon is perhaps not unique to the present era. Looking back on the 1918-19 influenza pandemic, a similar picture of mistrust is evident. The erosion of trust was the result of medicines inability to correctly identify the source of the epidemic and secondly its inability to effectively deal with it. In the long run, that trust was reinstated. COVID may have been the turning point this time around with mistrust of a very effective vaccine in reducing death and hospitalizations. We can take comfort that the present level of animosity toward expertise is temporary. Or perhaps it is just hope on my part
Why has science and the role of scientist been so eroded that charlatans prosper? Looking back on the origins it is perhaps reasonable to look at the COVID epidemic as a turning point in what is a longstanding erosion of trust. The false report of a link between thimerosal containing vaccines and autism published in the Lancet by Wakefield may be considered a the modern renewal of mistrust in science. Despite multiple research dispelling the assumption, Kennedy and his cohorts still believe the linkage exists. But this phenomenon is perhaps not unique to the present era. Looking back on the 1918-19 influenza pandemic, a similar picture of mistrust is evident. The erosion of trust was the result of medicines inability to correctly identify the source of the epidemic and secondly its inability to effectively deal with it. In the long run, that trust was reinstated. COVID may have been the turning point this time around with mistrust of a very effective vaccine in reducing death and hospitalizations. We can take comfort that the present level of animosity toward expertise is temporary. Or perhaps it is just hope on my part