The Importance of the Scientific Method

Lately, I've found myself reflecting on the philosophies of Descartes, especially his famous declaration, "Cogito ergo sum." This fundamental truth was first articulated in his work, Discourse on the Method for Guiding One's Reason and Searching for Truth in the Sciences, penned after he embraced skepticism. In his introduction, Descartes vowed to stop accepting truths blindly based on common belief or written texts. Thus, he sought a foundational truth to support his knowledge—"I think therefore I am." Building on this concept, he established a framework that became the cornerstone of the scientific method, which scientists have expanded upon over the last four centuries, significantly enhancing our understanding of the world.

His method comprises four key steps:

1. Question everything
2. Deconstruct problems into smaller components
3. Tackle the simplest issues first and gradually progress
4. Verify all findings through meticulous review

While the fourth step may not have emphasized review explicitly, Descartes would undoubtedly endorse the principle of double-checking one's work. It's vital to ensure no simple errors go unnoticed and to question the assumptions we hold. Peer reviews and collaborative scrutiny are crucial to validating our observations and conclusions. Even the most brilliant minds can misstep, overlook details, or leap to incorrect intuitions.

As we confront the current global crisis, I am increasingly alarmed by the misuse and dilution of the scientific method. Politicians, corporations, their financiers, journalists, and even ordinary citizens are leveraging science and data more than ever to rationalize their actions and statements. Unfortunately, this often leads to a distorted comprehension of the science and data at hand.

For instance, a notorious example came when former President Trump suggested during a televised press briefing that treatments could include internal exposure to UV light or disinfectants. While this extreme instance highlights the issue, it’s evident that politicians across the spectrum are grappling with scientific data, many of whom haven't engaged with science since their school days. Their desire to justify their actions or inactions often results in cherry-picking data that aligns with their interests. While not all do this with malice, many fall prey to the common human tendency of seeking facts that validate their beliefs.

Pharmaceutical companies and their investors have immense financial stakes, incentivizing them to demonstrate progress and expedite processes. Journalists and commentators contribute to the confusion. When untrained individuals attempt to interpret scientific papers, it can lead to sensationalist yet misleading headlines. This is not merely clickbait; many writers genuinely aim to inform. This misuse of information is particularly concerning because, while less egregious than Trump's remarks about disinfectants, their conclusions may still appear credible.

For instance, the CDC released a statement on August 14, 2020, clarifying that, contrary to media reports, their updated guidance did not imply immunity to SARS-CoV-2 after a positive test result three months post-infection. The misinterpretation was a clear case of a non-expert jumping to conclusions without grasping the underlying science.

Let me emphasize: we still lack a definitive understanding of how long immunity lasts post-infection. Researchers are investigating this, but ethical and methodical studies take time to produce reliable answers. It may be months before we can trust claims about immunity duration.

In the context of cultural debates, I often feel that some dismiss science entirely or selectively highlight facts that suit their agenda. During this crisis, skepticism about the virus's existence or severity has become prevalent among certain groups. I recall a moment early in the pandemic when a masked woman asked an unmasked shopper to maintain social distance. He retorted that "more people die from the flu each year," which was accurate; during the 2017–2018 flu season, 60,000 lives were lost. At that time, COVID-19 had claimed 40,000 lives, with fatalities still rising.

However, he overlooked crucial factors:

1. The flu season spans 3–4 months. In the 2017–2018 season, 60,000 lives were lost over approximately 14 weeks, averaging 4,300 deaths weekly. By comparison, we had lost 40,000 lives to COVID-19 in just six weeks, with an average of 6,600 weekly deaths.
2. Vaccines are available for the flu.
3. Our understanding of the flu is far more advanced due to over a century of research. COVID-19 is a novel virus.

Those with such perspectives may be resistant to the scientific method. To them, I would paraphrase a biblical sentiment: "Blessed are those who believe and act wisely before facing dire consequences."

Even among those who recognize the virus's seriousness, impatience is growing. COVID-19 has disrupted countless aspects of our lives, and many yearn for a return to normalcy. However, we must steel ourselves for the long haul. While some processes may seem tedious, we need to navigate this correctly; the repercussions of haste could be disastrous, extending the pandemic for years.

A potential scenario looms: imagine a pharmaceutical company announces a breakthrough vaccine in October, claiming 70% effectiveness—better than the flu vaccine! Headlines would celebrate this, and investors would flood in. Other vaccine development efforts might be sidelined as production ramps up.

Convincing the public to take the vaccine could present challenges. Awareness campaigns and celebrity endorsements might promote it as the "cool" choice, leading to sufficient vaccinations and a temporary decline in cases. We would breathe a sigh of relief and return to a semblance of normal life.

However, if the vaccine's efficacy is overestimated due to rushed trials and inadequate peer reviews, we could face severe repercussions. Whether it leads to increased health risks or adverse reactions, the fallout could be significant. Trust in scientists would erode, complicating the acceptance of future vaccines.

As we brace for a long journey ahead, it's vital that we do not compromise the scientific process. Rushing trials or bypassing essential review processes can have devastating consequences. While a timely, effective vaccine could save lives, a harmful or ineffective one would do far worse damage and fracture public trust in science.

So, how can a widespread understanding of the scientific method help us? Here are a few ways:

1. Question Everything

   I trust experts, especially when there is a consensus. We don’t need to start from scratch; we stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us. However, we should remain skeptical of science filtered through motivated sources or non-experts drawing their conclusions. When reading about scientific advancements, scrutinize the sources and whether the studies mentioned have undergone peer review. If you spot weaknesses in these areas, be critical and challenge misinformation.

2. Review, Review, Review!

   We must advocate for thorough review processes. The push to expedite vaccine development for political motives can compromise scientific integrity. The current FDA leadership has faced pressure to prioritize political agendas over public health, risking credibility among peers and the public.

The scientific method is not just applicable during a pandemic; it's a valuable approach for addressing various challenges. Starting without assumptions and maintaining a questioning mindset can enhance our understanding of any topic. Breaking complex issues into manageable parts is beneficial across all fields. Finally, reviewing our work and seeking feedback is essential for ensuring accuracy and depth in our understanding.

Embrace the principles of Descartes. Defend the scientific method against misuse and apply it to your own challenges. You may contribute to the advancement of human knowledge!

The first video titled "The Scientific Methods: Crash Course History of Science #14" offers an engaging overview of the scientific method's historical development and its significance.

The second video, "The Scientific Method: Crash Course Biology #2," provides an insightful look into the scientific method’s application in biological research and its role in scientific inquiry.