In his article “Is it TikTok or global crisis? How the world lost its trust in scientists like me,” Giorgio Parisi expresses his genuine concern over the erosion of trust in scientists. He attributes part of the blame to schools and universities, claiming that the quality of instruction has steadily declined over the years. Parisi argues that the teaching of natural sciences has forsaken its former rigor in favor of social science claims that he deems nonsensical.
Parisi asserts that those who propagate these ideas fail to recognize that the scientific community would swiftly reject any hypothesis conflicting with observation. He cites Galileo and the scientific revolution of the 17th century as examples of how science has rapidly progressed due to its commitment to empirical evidence. In contrast, he criticizes societies that have subordinated science to social convictions, inclusive of religions and political ideologies such as Marxism, Nazism, and fascism, as detrimental to critical thinking.
According to Parisi, it is crucial that we return to the optimism of the Enlightenment and educate future generations on the indispensable role of science in acquiring knowledge. He argues that everything else is mere wishful thinking, potentially endangering the survival of our civilization. Parisi contends that this erosion of trust poses the most significant threat to our science-based society, cautioning against allowing sheer stupidity to impede progress.
Prof AM Celâl Şengör
Istanbul Technical University
As a long-time science publisher, I share Giorgio Parisi’s concerns regarding the growing divide between scientists and the general public. I believe that the pressure to present flawless narratives to satisfy journal editors and peer reviewers contradicts the essence of the scientific method, which relies on acknowledging mistakes.
However, there has been a positive shift in recent years, particularly in the life sciences field. Researchers are now sharing their work in the form of “preprints,” enabling them to communicate their findings in a more timely and open manner. This practice became critical during the pandemic when swift dissemination of research findings was a matter of life and death. Platforms such as bioRxiv and medRxiv have emerged to support this movement.
This transformative shift presents an opportunity to revolutionize scientific publishing, currently dominated by a few corporate publishers. By empowering researchers and embracing transparency, we can create a more honest, open, and trusted scientific community.
Damian Pattinson
Executive Director, eLife
While Giorgio Parisi rightly recognizes the alarming decline in public trust in science and scientists, his conclusion overlooks the significant role played by a deliberate and well-funded campaign against science. Right-wing politicians, their donors, and media supporters have orchestrated this campaign to further their political agenda. Consequently, a sizable portion of the population no longer trusts in science due to relentless propaganda.
Jack Whalen
Oakland, California, US
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