“There seems to be an intensification of distrust and outright hostility directed against scientists and other intellectuals. Much of the same venom in the climate debate seems to be mirrored in the ID/evolution kerfuffle, largely by the same people on both sides and the same distrust and hostility directed at the scientists involved.”
Interesting. I noticed the same thing. However it’s not surprising when you think about it. There’s bound to be heated disagreement in topics that are complex, and involve issues that skirt the limits of our knowledge. Distrust and hostility would naturally arise when one side of the debate feels that it is being unfairly dismissed or silenced.
I personally think it indicates a healthy society when people can debate and question the experts on complicated and unresolved (as least to some) topics. Much better than a society where an elite class owns the truth.
