CV Pandemic Daily 200907, 200908, 200909, 200910, 200911, 200912, 200913
-1. Empirical, 2. California Hot Record, 3. Trump Environmental Damage, 4. Unintended Conservation Consequences, Invasive Species, 5. Global Vaccine Confidence Trends
-1. One of the problems of interpretation of what is observed is that the meaning of Empirical is at odds to how the term is used, especially by those who have an ideological agenda and want to appear objective and through in their a priori interpretations. Mere observation of phenomena and reporting exactly what is perceived is not necessarily science, more likely motivated reasoning, cherry picking, FOAF, anecdotes (-data). Science depends on observation of phenomena, developing a hypothesis of explanation, and then experimenting with its variables to verify and create a theory based of evidence that will likely be refined with more empirical evidence.
-A. Instead empirical has come to mean consistent observations that validate a theory or logic. This definition of empirical is quite impervious to contrary evidence. It can always interpret evidence in terms of its theory (worldview) and logic (irrefutable). The Joys and Struggles of the Gap Between Words and Meaning.
-B. This form of empiricism is demonstrated frequently during parademics, often times in the form of moral panics, magical thinking, gubergenic policy, othering and medical scams. When what is known to be true does not fit was is observed, explanations are sought in what are already accepted social constructs, and tend to be SLAI RIDE variations of previous a priori explanations, if not the exact same default assumption accepted as fact.
-C. A recent example is why 2015Ebola, with its low reproduction rate of infection, spread so far and fast in West Africa. The obvious empirical explanation that fit what was observed was that it somehow mutated to become airborne. This was quite clearly stated as an opinion (hypothesis), but in the social sphere was accepted as fact despite no supporting empirical evidence it had changed, and that such a change would mean a gnomic change outside its then possible cone of malleability. The empirical evidence was that it was spreading faster and wider than current theory would account for. Instead of examining the theory and the phenomena is situ (i.e. funeral practices) the SWAG that did not consider social dimensions, was used to advantage on the political realm.
-D. Another example is a recent hurricane where someone empirically saw the previous tract of a hurricane and forecasted its continuation in a westerly direction, without consultation with experts in the fluidity of atmospheric phenomena (weather). This became quite the kerfuffle =2= which unfortunately resulted in an acceleration of the gap between policy making and informed decision making. The gap probably increased the distrust of gubergenic policy makers with science and experts who provided information that was at odds to what was considered empirical.
-E. These two above and other conflicts between what empirical is, and what empirical is thought to be can observed in analogues during the CV Pandemic. Social constructs crashing into a novel disease that is still not well understood by empirical science, and quite at odds with the beliefs of current decision makers previous empirical experience. This is like war where both sides are right and have deity of their side. CV is a conflict where one side is absolutely right and the other side is right in that it is uncertain what is happening and still trying to determine the nature of the pathogen. Unfortunately like war, there is death and maiming of both sides. Ones empirical beliefs have no influence on what is hoped for and the actual outcomes.
-2. Weather Service Records Hottest Temperature on Record in LA County. With the interaction of heat and air quality it is likely there will be heat related deaths, especially if the power fails. Record Heat Wave Creates 'Kiln Like' Conditions In California.
-3. Trump Administration Proposes Timber Sale in Tongass National Forest. Trump Proposal Would Make it Tougher to Protect Habitat for Endangered Species, Critics Say. EPA Chief, Pushing for Second Trump Term, Outlines Vision for Agency. EPA Sued over Decision Not to Regulate Chemical Linked to Fetal Brain Damage. Major Drilling Projects among Dozens Fast Tracked after Trump Order. Longtime Climate Science Denier Hired at NOAA. [Cartoon], 200412-CV18.
-5. Mapping Global Trends in Vaccine Confidence and Investigating Barriers to Vaccine Uptake: a Large Scale Retrospective Temporal Modelling Study. There is growing evidence of vaccine delays or refusals due to a lack of trust in the importance, safety, or effectiveness of vaccines, alongside persisting access issues. Although immunisation coverage is reported administratively across the world, no similarly robust monitoring system exists for vaccine confidence. In this study, vaccine confidence was mapped across 149 countries between 2015 and 2019.
Comments