James Hansen and Pushker Kharecha - The Acid Test: Global Temperature in 2025

[NNadir]

15. We can of course consider whether an appreciation of science...

...consists of breathless regurgitation of university press releases about say, batteries and hydrogen, or working as a scientist or as an engineer both on the level of laboratory research as well as in industrial settings. The latter, being on the front lines of science, requires, broad exposure to the primary scientific literature and hands on experience, the suspension of credulity, critical thinking, and the willingness to evaluate something called data beyond dogma.

The former, regurgitating press releases, requires not much more than credulity and wishful thinking.

I am often amused by people who claim to appreciate science but display a very low level of appreciation of what that enterprise involves. The famous Dunning Kruger conception is very often on display among this former set.

It's come to the fore in these Trumpian times, but regrettably it isn't limited to those on the right wing.