The Abuse of Scientific Authority

Abstract

There is an unfortunate tendency for notable scientists to abuse their authority as scientists outside their field of expertise, and sometimes within it. While scientists should be free to study, examine, pursue, and speak on any topic they wish, they should refrain from parading their scientific credentials to the public when speaking on matters in which they do not have specific expertise, or, even when they are in their field, when they are not acting as indiffer- ent arbiters of evidence.