Epistemic value in exposing people to a wide range of views

Question 1

Argument for my view

Answer 1

I believe that educating people on both the validity of scientific method and critical thinking skills allows us to present views that oppose scientific consensus (so long as they are presented with the fact that they oppose scientific consensus), and my argument is as follows:

1) If people understand both the validity of scientific method and have critical thinking skills, then views that oppose scientific consensus may be taught (so long as they are presented with the fact that they oppose scientific consensus).
2) Educating people on the validity of scientific method and critical thinking skills is the best method we have at helping people understand these concepts.
3) Thus, educating people on both the validity of scientific method and critical thinking skills allows us to present views that oppose scientific consensus (so long as they are presented with the fact that they oppose scientific consensus).

Question 2

Concepts

Answer 2

• A society which is presented with a wide range of views is important to generate social knowledge about how to address important issues.
• Some views that can have a popular following but contradict scientific consensus would include views or beliefs people adopt as a result of being exposed to propaganda, or bullshit (information presented with no care of the truth, but simply an intention to serve the providers interests), or beliefs held as a result of deep (fundamental) disagreement between certain groups.
• Whereas views that adhere with scientific consensus would be those that are held by the corresponding scientific communities according to all the available evidence.

Question 3

Defence of the factual strength of my argument

Answer 3

• There is little control that can (or should) be placed on people’s beliefs in a democratic environment, and adverse views will always be unavoidable.
• However, the most effective way to ensure people are making informed beliefs is by engraining the tools to make informed decisions, i.e., critical thinking skills which help evaluate all views in a logical way.
• It is also important that if we intend to value scientific consensus on issues, knowledge on how scientific communities reach a consensus (i.e., the scientific method) must also be taught so that people can use this information when (critically) considering scientific findings, opinions, and theories along with propositions that contradict them.
• Only after a background of understanding in scientific fundamentals (scientific method) and general critical thinking have been established, will it be possible to present information that contradicts scientific consensus without causing undue harm.
• It is key that a community of people is well-equipped to evaluate information or else propaganda, bullshit, deep disagreement, and any other views that contradict scientific consensus may not be processed properly and will decidedly cause harm to said community of people.

Question 4

Counterargument

Answer 4

• It could be argued that educating people on certain concepts is not a foolproof method for making sure they truly absorb and apply said concepts to their daily life (as there is a huge disparity in how and how well people learn). In addition, it could be noted that there are a multitude of hurdles in educating people on the “correct” critical thinking techniques.
• Therefore, if it is unavoidable that some people will ultimately not retain the critical thinking concepts that can be taught (or if we do not know how to teach the ”correct” ones), thus the range of views and theories exposed to the public should just be limited to some domain or criteria of claims.
• I would counter that it is impossible to heavily restrict information presented to the public in a way that is effective or ethical, and that restricting peoples access to information will always ultimately end up in more harm from societal distrust, increased conspiracy theories, etc. Thus, we should accept that the best we can do is teach critical thinking techniques from a young age, allowing them to become an engrained part of everyday life for the maximum number of individuals as possible and allowing them to utilize the skills they know to evaluate a wide range of views.