Scientists get to declare they are right by finding evidence that their theory works. Convincing their peers makes that easier (they'll have more resources and

Scientists get to declare they are right by finding evidence that their theory works. Convincing their peers makes that easier (they'll have more resources and help in the search for evidence), but ultimately the evidence should be clear to everyone. Do germs grow in a heated, sealed flask? No. Clear evidence for germ theory, disproving the accepted view at the time, spontaneous generation. Do nuclear fission and modern electronics work? Clear evidence for quantum physics, even though Einstein argued against it till the end. Is GPS accurate before or after adjusting for time passing faster in orbit? (After.) Clear evidence for general relativity, despite how wild it seems. On the other hand, when a group of people collectively tell you their ideas are right, and that other ideas are "fringe", without clear evidence, that's an ideology or a religion.