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Trusting Science: Is There Reasonable Distrust of Reputable Scientific Authority?

In: The Science and Art of Simulation

Author

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  • Brittany A. Gentry

    (Utah State University, Department of Communications and Philosophy)

Abstract

Is there reasonable distrust of reputable scientific authority? This paper considers the role of experience in the epistemic process of trusting authority and argues that distrust based on experience mirrors rational processes of belief formation and so produces rational, though sometimes wrong, beliefs. Part one establishes the importance of experience in the basic process of developing trust in authority and in formal epistemologies. Part two considers four ways in which people experience scientific authorities: (1) expertise, (2) distinguishing between individual and group identity, (3) shared identities, and (4) transparency. Given the role of experience in trust formation, the paper concludes that in some cases where non-scientific communities have negative experiences of scientific authority and distrust a reputable scientific authority, those communities have, prima facie, a rational distrust and are likely to distrust.

Suggested Citation

  • Brittany A. Gentry, 2024. "Trusting Science: Is There Reasonable Distrust of Reputable Scientific Authority?," Springer Books, in: Michael M. Resch & Nico Formánek & Ammu Joshy & Andreas Kaminski (ed.), The Science and Art of Simulation, pages 43-58, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-031-68058-8_3
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-68058-8_3
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