Science is real . . . but not always right.
This thought was reinforced for the Catholic Wise Guy recently when reading an article in the Wall Street Journal (1/24/22) by Andy Kessler “90% of Everything Is….”.
The article is centered on an interview with Marc Andreessen, founder of Netscape and now a general partner in a top venture-capital firm in Silicon Valley.
In discussing his work in venture capital, much of which involves scientific innovation, Mr. Andreessen “…starts with the replication crisis in scientific studies, especially in psychology – over half of studies can’t be replicated.” The journalist and Mr. Andreessen go on to note that “studies show” and “experts say” are the “…most dangerous words in the English language.”
They go on to discuss the “replication crisis” in medical research and Mr. Andreessen notes that a friend in the scientific research world said “…90% of research…is bad to begin with.” The venture capitalist goes on to observe that “…90% of everything is crap.”
A non-scientist with two college chemistry courses to his name, the Catholic Wise Guy hesitates to jump into scientific issues. Plenty of fools have already rushed in, some with credentials. But this article on the scientific replication crisis reinforces the Catholic Wise Guy’s natural skepticism about pronouncements by scientists, both government and non-government, on evolving scientific issues of the day.
We the public should remain open but skeptical. The scientists must stay current on their humility shots. The Catholic Wise Guy asks our scientists on behalf of all those who seek wisdom, in science and elsewhere: please don’t venture beyond your data; please ensure the studies backing your data have been replicated.