Deadline March 31, 2016: Essay Format APA Business
Deadline 31st Mar 2016 014807 Hrsessayformat Apa Subject Busine
Read the following two articles. Explain why you think so many Americans disregard the consensus of the scientific community. What responsibility do politicians play in this?
Paper For Above instruction
The widespread disregard for scientific consensus among many Americans is a complex issue influenced by multiple societal, psychological, and political factors. Several reasons contribute to this phenomenon, including cognitive biases, mistrust in scientific institutions, misinformation, and political partisanship.
One significant reason is cognitive bias, especially confirmation bias, where individuals favor information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs and dismiss evidence that contradicts them (Nickerson, 1998). This bias makes it difficult for some Americans to accept scientific findings, particularly those that challenge personal or cultural values, such as climate change or vaccination debates. Additionally, mistrust towards scientific institutions often stems from past unethical practices and ongoing controversies which erode public confidence (McCright & Dunlap, 2011). This mistrust is further exacerbated by misinformation campaigns, particularly on social media platforms, where false information spreads rapidly and influences public perception.
The role of politicians in this issue is critical. Politicians often shape public opinion through their rhetoric and policy decisions, intentionally or unintentionally. When political leaders deny or downplay scientific consensus, they lend credibility to misinformation, influencing their constituents to do the same (McCright & Dunlap, 2011). Politicians may also prioritize electoral gains over scientific facts, especially when scientific issues conflict with economic interests, such as fossil fuel industries opposing climate action. This politicization of science creates polarization, making it harder for the public to discern fact from fiction and undermining the perceived legitimacy of scientific expertise.
Furthermore, political reprisals and ideological divisions lead some politicians to reject scientific consensus to appeal to specific voter bases. For example, during debates on climate change and public health, some politicians have dismissed scientific evidence to align with corporate interests or ideological perspectives (Oreskes & Conway, 2010). Such actions contribute significantly to public skepticism and resistance to scientific consensus.
In conclusion, America's disregard for scientific consensus can be attributed to cognitive biases, mistrust, misinformation, and political influences. Politicians play a pivotal role by either endorsing scientific facts or propagating skepticism, which directly impacts public attitudes and behaviors. Addressing this issue requires fostering a more scientifically literate society and encouraging politicians to prioritize evidence-based policies over partisan interests.
References
McCright, A. M., & Dunlap, R. E. (2011). The political polarization of climate change. Sociological Quarterly, 52(2), 155–194.
Nickerson, R. S. (1998). Confirmation bias: A ubiquitous phenomenon in many guises. Review of General Psychology, 2(2), 175–220.
Oreskes, N., & Conway, E. M. (2010). Merchants of doubt: How a handful of scientists obscured the truth on issues from tobacco smoke to global warming. Bloomsbury Publishing.
McCright, A. M., & Dunlap, R. E. (2011). The political polarization of climate change. Sociological Quarterly, 52(2), 155–194.