The worries of "established" science

Modern science is founded on the scientific method, which is basically: come up with a theory, test it, check the data, rework the theory, test, examine data, and repeat until things appear to match. However, the testing and reworking of theories should never simply end (unless there's nothing further to be learned). Life is constantly slapping our perceptions in the face, forcing us to reconsider what we previously agreed was true. Science should reflect this reality.

Why bring up this thorny topic? Well, there's been a growing movement to shut down new theories by claiming the science is "established" and therefore unquestionable. Science should be constantly questioned. Even the theory of gravity has come under attack (not that it changes how it affects our lives, but the underlying reasons for gravity existing and how it actually works). Science is not determined by committee or general agreement. There are numerous examples of single scientists who questioned firmly accepted theories and ended up turning the entire scientific community on their collective ears--Archimedes, Copernicus, Galileo, Faraday, Curie, Newton, Einstein, and on and on.

When we stop questioning theories, we give up our creativity and any motivation to forge better science. Should we have stopped at horse transportation, because cars would never be economical? Should our concept of solar systems have ended with the Earth being the center of everything and the universe revolving around it? Of course not. I say, bring on the crazies! Throw some stones into the waters of science and see if current concepts hold up. We need skeptics to rock the boat. I think we've become complacent in our knowledge, and that diminishes us. Bring in idiotic ideas and see what works--I don't see any other way that I'll get Star Trek phasers and flying cars.

- M