Strategies for Dissenting Scientists

From Natural Philosophy Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Scientific Paper
Title Strategies for Dissenting Scientists
Author(s) Brian Martin
Keywords {{{keywords}}}
Published 1998
Journal Journal of Scientific Exploration
Volume 12
Number 4
Pages 605-616

Abstract

Those who challenge conventional views or vested interests in science are likely to encounter difficulties. A scientific dissenter should first of all realize that science is a system of power as well as knowledge, in which interest groups play a key role and insiders have an extra advantage. Dissenters are likely to be ignored or dismissed. If they gain some recognition or outside support, they may be attacked. In the face of such obstacles, there are several strategies, including mimicking science, aiming at lower status outlets, enlisting patrons, seeking a different audience, exposing suppression of dissent, and building a social movement.