Some good examples, thank you. Taking one example... "Social darwinism is a classic example of the abuse of science by both scientists and laymen. It just see

Some good examples, thank you. Taking one example... "Social darwinism is a classic example of the abuse of science by both scientists and laymen. It just seems more common and more pervasive." Perhaps this sort of misunderstanding arises as there's a layer of abstraction between scientific inquiry and the results that are produced. The layman only sees the conclusions, not the subtleties and caveats that are part of the wider truth. Social darwinism seems to be an example of what happens when knowledge loses its original context. I suspect it's common as humans seek to find patterns in the world around them. The problem comes when people find patterns backed up from a source perceived to have greater authority, as it has a chilling effect on further exploration.