The science is settled

We have heard and read this claim a lot over the last few years. Let us be very clear: science can never be settled. Science is an ever ongoing delving into the unknown, and we will never reach a point where everything is known and there is nothing left to research.

Science is about gathering facts, developing hypotheses, and testing and evaluating these hypothesis. If the hypothesis passes testing and evaluation, it may be reported as a theory. While an overwhelming amount of facts can corroborate a theory, the tiniest fact can falsify a theory. Much scientific research will end in corroboration of existing theories. Real progress in science is made when we find facts that falsify existing theories, which forces us to modify the theory, or to create a new hypothesis.

Scientific consensus is a claim that is often used as an excuse to avoid serious argumentation. Let us also be very clear here: consensus only means that a fact that falsifies a theory has not yet been found. Consensus does not prove a theory, nor can it ever prove a theory to be correct. Real break-throughs in science are made when a fact is found that contradicts consensus. You might say that science is about breaking consensus. Claiming scientific consensus is the most unscientific thing you can do. Claiming scientific consensus is the refuge of scoundrels who run out of arguments.

Science can never be settled, there will always be that chance that you observe a tiny fact that will contradict and nullify an existing theory.

Anyone who claims that the science is settled is a fraud, and his/her/its sole reason to make this claim is to try and silence anyone who disagrees with their assumptions. Beware of people who claim that the science is settled, it is their way to avoid critical examination of their suppositions. It is their attempt to prevent others to find that tiny fact that might falsify their theory.

Anyone who believes that science is settled does not have a clue what science is.