Undue preoccupation with validation

Knowledge Processes Neglected by Science (Part #3)

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Closely associated with the preoccupation of science with explanation, is that with validation. Whilst this is inherent in the manner in which science frames the advancement of knowledge, it is rendered problematic by how validation is framed and what is considered acceptable proof -- and for whom. This is most evident in the case of "proof" dependent primarily on "statistical significance" -- and the exclusion of other factors which some may (later) claim to be of greater significance. Again, some caution is appropriate in the light of historical claims of validation of "truths" now considered questionable -- if not laughably obsolete.

Especially interesting is the degree of "connectivity" appropriate to validation of an explanation, as illustrated by the case of the "correspondences" considered acceptable by so-called moonshine mathematics (cf. Monstrous Moonshine: a collective knowledge creation quest, 2007; Theories of Correspondences -- and potential equivalences between them in correlative thinking, 2007). Of related interest is the degree to which science is associated with what might be caricatured as "downstream thinking", namely a blinkered focus on proximate causes and their (disastrous) effects rather than exploring originating factors -- as is evident in the case of many social issues aggravated by increasing population pressure (Scientific Gerrymandering of Boundaries of Overpopulation Debate, 2012).

A number of controversial issues highlight the challenge of validation at this time: climate change, genetic engineering, smoking, drug use, and the like. The quest for "truth" is dramatized by the case of the Iranian nuclear programme (cf. 10 Demands for Concrete Proof by We the Peoples of the World, 2012; Warping the Judgement of Dissenting Opinion towards a general framework for comparing distortion in rules of evidence, 2002; Politicization of Evidence in the Plastic Turkey Era: al-Qaida, Saddam, Assassination and the Hijab, 2003). Most striking is the fatally misleading, scientifically-endorsed, "validation" (now framed as "remarks") presented to the UN Security Council by Colin L. Powell regarding the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq (Remarks to the United Nations Security Council, 5 February 2003). Especially problematic is the validation of the legitimacy and precision of drone strikes, given the counter-claims made for the level of associated civilian casualties.

Whilst science, like any social initiative, necessarily arrogates to itself the right to determine appropriate standards of proof, the question is the degree of empowerment of other initiatives and individuals in determining the standards of proof (if any) acceptable to their needs. People and groups will anyway believe as true "what works" for them -- to some degree at least -- understanding that to be a form of validation. Most personally this is evident in the process of falling in love, spiritual revelation, or in any inspiration to creativity. Science has yet to offer credible explanation and validation of falling in love -- and out of it. The latter, as a form of "scientific revolution" in personal knowing, offers an understandable contrast to the final closure characteristic of impersonal scientific validation

The fact is that facts will be ignored or dismissed -- no matter how significant or how authoritatively presented. This is a fact that merits consideration by science in any reoccupation with determining the facts. It follows however that this fact will be ignored.

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