The impact of “scientific misinformation”; on other fields: Philosophy, theology, biomedical ethics, public policy

Abstract

“Scientific misinformation”; or inaccuracies are problematic within the field of science itself. However, perhaps few scientists are aware of or concerned about the possible impact which scientific misinformation apparently has on several other seemingly unrelated fields—e.g., philosophy, theology, biomedical ethics, and public policy. To demonstrate such an influence, I will take only one issue currently debated in these other fields—i.e., the biological “marker events of human personhood”; during human embryogenesis, and trace the impact that seemingly contradictory scientific claims have had on the theoretical structures and practical conclusions of the several interrelated fields. Concern is expressed about the serious need for more accurate scientific input into these discussions and issues, and for scientists to help sort out which scientific data and theories are actually the most accurate and scientifically acceptable.

Keywords:

• Scientific misinformation
• philosophy
• theology
• biomedical ethics
• personhood
• public policy
• professional expertise