Eli5: Why is there such a negative response to controversial topics in science, wasn’t the existence of “atoms” extremely controversial back in the days as well?

Question

Shouldn’t people research and discuss topics in a calm and rational manner instead of some sort of “you vs me” type of mentality?

In: 1

Answer 1

What do you think is a controversial topic in science? I ask because most of the topics that people might consider controversial aren’t actually controversial *in science.* Often the controversy is between the scientific consensus and those whose beliefs or interests don’t align with that consensus. The safety and efficacy of vaccines, for example, is well-established in science, but sadly controversial in the public at large.