Weaponizing Science
IFLS, I do, but let’s remember it does have its weaknesses
“Do your research” they say
As if they’ve actually read any of the actual research themselves, rather than simply regurgitating what they read on social media, or heard someone else say in a video post.
They wield this statement as though it were a definitive statement, proving you know not of which you speak. Except let’s not forget the field of science is wrought with systemic problems. Research is an imperfect process performed by imperfect humans.
While I do love evidence and data, and certainly find value in the scientific literature, we must not bow to almighty science, as though it cannot be questioned—unquestioning acceptance is the complete opposite of what the scientific method is about.
Research is descriptive, not prescriptive
Research informs, predicts, deciphers, observes, and reports.
It is descriptive, not prescriptive. By this I mean, scientific studies can only describe what has happened or is currently happening. It can make predictions about what is likely to happen based on that data, but it cannot prescribe what will certainly happen.
New knowledge is always challenging what we previously believed to be fact. Challenging our theories is the whole point of engaging in rigorous research.
The aim of the scientific method is to disprove theories and, in the process, provide evidence which supports one hypothesis over another. It is not intended to be used as a weapon wielded, demanding people demonstrate the validity of their own experience.
People’s individual experiences are not subject to scientific inquiry.
Scientific research is a process requiring quantity; huge numbers are needed for valid extrapolation or generalization of the data. People’s individual experiences are not subject to scientific inquiry. When someone tells us their experience, we should bloody well believe them.
Autistic and disabled people have been dismissed and invalidated our entire lives because of being Autistic and disabled. We’ve been presumed incompetent, incapable of introspection, and incapable of forming meaningful relationships with others.
For decades, researchers and clinicians have assumed that Autistics lack empathy, something which has since been broadly and convincingly disproven.
Now a certain ableist behaviourist, and other like-minded ableist behaviourists, are calling into question the intellectual capabilities of non-speakers.
