Creation Moment 7/28/2016 - Science "crises"

"Two evolutionists appeal to “evolutionary forces” to explain the rise of bad science.

Paul Smaldino and Richard McElreath at the University of California Davis used an evolutionary

theory-based computational model to analyse the problem of bad science. They found that “the most powerful incentives in contemporary science actively encourage, reward and propagate poor research methods and abuse of statistical procedures”. In short, it’s natural selection for shoddy science.

There’s widespread concern that science is in a state of crisis. Vox.com reported results of a survey of 270 scientists about the seven biggest problems facing science:

1. Academia has a huge money problem.
2. Too many studies are poorly designed [i.e., not intelligently designed].
3. Replicating results is crucial. But scientists rarely do it.
4. Peer review is broken.
5. Too much science is locked behind paywalls.
6. Science is poorly communicated to the public.
7. Life as a young academic is incredibly stressful.

But since natural selection cannot get from “is” to “ought”, there’s no way to call the situation bad or good. It just is what it is. In fact, if natural selection produced eyes and wings and a myriad of other trophies of progress, then Smaldino and McElreath ought to celebrate this new evolutionary innovation they call “bad science.”

The only way Smaldino and McElreath can call bad science “bad” is to appeal to a standard that does not evolve. Perhaps they could use one that says, “Thou shalt not bear false witness” or “Thou shalt not covet what is thy neighbor’s” or “Whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto men.” CEH/Ex. 20:16,17/Col.3:23