Scientific literacy vital in time of crisis

THE Covid-19 and climate crises demonstrate that scientific literacy is critical to a nation’s well-being.

According to Arizona State University science professor Thomas Martin: “In the present cultural climate, altering one’s beliefs in response to anything (facts included) is considered a sign of weakness.

“Students must be convinced that changing one’s mind in light of the evidence is not weakness: Changing one’s mind is the essence of intellectual growth…

“The responsibility for fostering scientific literacy of this sort – that is, literacy construed as an ongoing commitment to evidence over preconception – falls upon all of us in our discussions both formal and informal, both public and private.”

Observing the bias and animosity common in political debate, the late Irish philosopher John O’Donohue stated that we need more legislators, media, etc who are not already loyal to one side or the other.

It has been said that to practise philosophy, and also science, is to follow the question wherever it leads. This was the important loyalty for O’Donohue, and he referred to it as “loyalty to the voyage of the question”.

Let’s hold ourselves and others to higher standards of truth-seeking. TERRY HANSEN | Wisconsin, US