Rescuing Science

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For readers concerned about the roots of public mistrust in science, this book offers an ardent appraisal of the scientific establishment's ailments. Paul M. Sutter draws on his extensive career in the scientific community, blending personal experiences as an astrophysicist with broader observations. He identifies the current distrust of science as stemming from within the academic community itself, highlighting issues such as a disregard for the public, an obsession with grant acquisition, neglect of political challenges, barriers for minorities, and tolerance of fraud in the quest for recognition. Sutter presents these challenges as part of a vicious cycle: public mistrust leads to reduced funding opportunities, which fosters competition and increases fraud, ultimately deepening mistrust. Each chapter delves into specific vices that have become entrenched in academia, which he likens to an illness afflicting the soul of science. He contextualizes these issues historically to uncover their root causes. Concluding each chapter, Sutter offers actionable solutions for both scientific and nonscientific communities, advocating for an ideal scientific approach that could restore public trust.