Truth, Reality, Belief, Faith: Science in Public Debate

Abstract

Truth, reality, belief and faith are some of the tools we take with us into any negotiation process even those involving science. For me a truth is something we can all agree on, whether it is something undeniable or not; reality is something that is undeniable and has presence despite our definition; belief is something that we individually have evidence for, but which we have not established as a truth; and faith is something for which we have no evidence, but we feel is right. Although these tools of thought are used equally, most scientists would find it hard to admit how often we are unsure which one we are using. Unfortunately science and its methods are not easily understood by the uninitiated. Despite our insistence on scientific rigour, too few of us are willing to acknowledge that many of the methods we use to condense and express our ideas still revert to intuition, feelings, personal biases and misinformation. This is no more so than when we attempt to develop policy, act as members of committees or are called upon to consult on environmental issues.