Disclaimer: not a scientist.
Part1:
For the sake of the argument: Have you seen evidence of scientific fact-x? (For example x=“water is made of H2 + O”)
Since set of “x” is so wast, no matter who you are, for most of “x” the answer will be “NO”. Time, accessible equipment and brain-capability constraints force us to outsource the evidence check to others. (even smartest scientists read papers instead of reproducing all experiments)
Part2:
I would like to distinguish two meanings/aspects of word “Science” used by in various contexts:
- scientific method - hypothesis, experiment, …
- “institution of society” -distinct group in society, view/expectation by the rest of society, education, trusted sources and similar
Methods of science and religion are very different.
But as “institutions”, they do have some parallels.
- Both offer basic explanation of reality.
- In both cases people trust stuff written by others.
- Both have consistency if you accept some basic truths.
To sum it up:
I (and most) believe that “carbon has 6 protons“ without evidence. The basis of this belief is trust in science (the institution of society) based on its authority, stated principles&process. But in the end laypeople don’t have evidence for that.
Part1:
For the sake of the argument: Have you seen evidence of scientific fact-x? (For example x=“water is made of H2 + O”)
Since set of “x” is so wast, no matter who you are, for most of “x” the answer will be “NO”. Time, accessible equipment and brain-capability constraints force us to outsource the evidence check to others. (even smartest scientists read papers instead of reproducing all experiments)
Part2:
I would like to distinguish two meanings/aspects of word “Science” used by in various contexts:
- scientific method - hypothesis, experiment, …
- “institution of society” -distinct group in society, view/expectation by the rest of society, education, trusted sources and similar
Methods of science and religion are very different. But as “institutions”, they do have some parallels.
- Both offer basic explanation of reality.
- In both cases people trust stuff written by others.
- Both have consistency if you accept some basic truths.
To sum it up:
I (and most) believe that “carbon has 6 protons“ without evidence. The basis of this belief is trust in science (the institution of society) based on its authority, stated principles&process. But in the end laypeople don’t have evidence for that.