Why does it seem that americans don't trust scientists?

Question

I have my own beliefs on this topic but I am curious about other people's opinion. It seems that in the US people seem to think that science is a more subjective field similar to pyschology or philosophy. I know the scientists themselves feel very differently about this, but why is this the case?

I did not just make thisup. the new york times released a poll last week that showed that less than 505 of americans believe that man evolved without the help of a supernatural being. the only country with less people who believed this out of 50 was turkey. In some europeans countries, over 80% of the population believed that man evolved from natural causes. Many people also dont belive in global warming even though the scientific consensus is tat global warming due to human interference does exist. We also have people in this country who belive in all kinds of myths from vitmin megadoses to astrology, all things science have proven false.

sorry that should be 50% not 505

the new york times released a poll last week that showed that less than 50% of americans believe that man evolved without the help of a supernatural being. the only country with less people who believed this out of 50 was turkey. In some europeans countries, over 80% of the population believed that man evolved from natural causes. Many people also dont belive in global warming even though the scientific consensus is tat global warming due to human interference does exist. We also have people in this country who belive in all kinds of myths from vitmin megadoses to astrology, all things science have proven false.

to Apostle Jeffor anyone who wants to respond, Yes I undesand why any individuals might not agree with evolution but why is the number so much higher in america? what is different from america than other countries that makes this happen?

Answer 1

That's true!.
(Asking your question in Religion & Spirituality; kindly accept my answer).

I think the reason is that people don't easily let go their beliefs, even when contradict with science, because religions do have strong roots that grew up through hundreds of years.

Hear are some examples:
1 - Language of science comparing to religion:
Most scientists don't usually use strong language as religion people do.
Who would you believe?
- A scientist says the earth is PROBABLY 3.5 Billion years ago.
or that religion man on TV that uses his magical words:
- GOD created the world in 6 Days.

2- The Person himself:
I think this is one another important thing why people still believe their closest Monk over scientests.

This image "culture" created on religion people, giving them this shape of holliness, as people of God does strongly effect of the acceptance of the listener.

A scientist of the other hand doesn't claim anything.

3- The motivate (Heaven & Hell):
A scientist doesn't promise that you will live in HEAVEN FOR ENTERNITY if you believed him, that man in the church does!

People usually follow the one that promises much.
People want hope, imaginary hope yes but still hope.

4- The magical tales of Creation VS Evolution:
I am an atheist, but for real, which of them sounds fairy and full of characters and magic? Creation yes!

A scientist will not tell Evolution as a fairy tale, facts pure and tasteless facts.

Why would people let go the Apple story, why would them let go that this World was created for "Adamese" and believe that we are animals living on a meaningless follower-rock lost in a dark sky with millions of stars.

Why don't they trust scientist?
Because scientists don't give them reasons to live.

Answer 2

Did this poll like others have a + or - 5% because not all Americans answered this one. Yes scientist get things wrong, we all do because we are mere human. Maybe that is why it is hard to trust, but science is science (some facts and some theories). There is still so much we don't know.

Answer 3

Maybe because of things I have been telling Americans for
years with my writing. Science is a process of experimentation
and observation, in order to come to logical conclusions. Yet,
scientists don't accept their own test results if they don't go along with their preconceived ways of thinking.
Here is my case against scientists.
In California, there is a crack in the earth called the San Andreas
fault, where they expect a major quake at any time. !00 miles
away in Nevada. "Scientists" were exploding multi-kiliton nuclear
devices underground for decades!
Do you follow me on this? One guy said this was totally devoid
of scientific thought. Exactly my point.

Answer 4

What are you talking about?

Do you have any idea what science means in the U.S.? The culture here thrives on it. Sure, there are many religious entities and groups that discount science, but you have that in EVERY country. It's not any worse here than it is in other parts of the world.

90% of the curriculum I had to take towards an engineering degree was centered on science. I think the statement you've made about the U.S. in general is unfounded opinion...

Answer 5

It's not that we don't trust scientists, so much as we don't put all our faith in them. That is becasue we as a society, have a hard time accpeting change- and science is based on constantly making more discoveries, on constant change.

I, myself, like that things change. Change and discovering, and learning more about ourselves and the world we live in, makes us better able to appreciate it, and to appreciate this life we've been given. For me, it is a matter of being better able to cope with the why and the how of everything, and it makes me appreciate even more the things that can't be explained.

Answer 6

The atomic bomb made people realize science is not necessarily benign and "progress" is not necessarily a good thing. Has science made us better off? Some would say no, and long to live like Thoreau or actually do live an Amish, etc. lifestyle.

Answer 7

Don't trust science or don't trust scientists. They are not the same thing.

Some scientists cook the data to keep the grant money flowing. The media picks up on this and creates the impression that ALL scientist do it.

The results of science speak for itself.

Answer 8

On my part, it is because there have so many studies done that cover the same subjects and have completely different outcomes. studies done of food, for example....

It gives the consumer the idea that research is more to prove the researcher's opinion rather than to find the truth through scientific reasoning.

Answer 9

It isn't that Americans don't trust scientist, you'll find this true in many cultures, race and genders. People are generally afraid of what they do not know. Scientists however are not, they make a living out of trying to find and define things unknown.

Answer 10

anti-intellectualism, and the fear of science, is, sadly (?), not limited to america, though it has a history as long as the states, and longer. science, i should think, makes people uncomfortable because it asks QUESTIONS, instead of giving ANSWERS, as religion does. is light a particle, a wave, or a hard to grasp combination of the two (or something else, entirely?)? religion isn't concerned with this. light is the quality, emanation, or creation of god(s); why trouble your head about it? this is a bit simplistic, of course - there's a great deal of interesting speculative theology fully as complex as string theory... but it all seems to end up with, "it's god!", "it's magic!", and/or, "it's unknowable - and not for us to ask!". religion is easy. science is hard. QED