Here is the text of a speech by Michael Crichton. He discusses how unprovable ideas are dressed up as science, when what they really are is a religious belief. Here is a good quote:
I want to pause here and talk about this notion of consensus, and the rise of what has been called consensus science. I regard consensus science as an extremely pernicious development that ought to be stopped cold in its tracks. Historically, the claim of consensus has been the first refuge of scoundrels; it is a way to avoid debate by claiming that the matter is already settled. Whenever you hear the consensus of scientists agrees on something or other, reach for your wallet, because you're being had.Posted by boss at January 3, 2004 11:00 AM