NuSI circling the drain

terryritter1

I'm not sure why you are directing this at me.

Yeah, I did quote you. I'm don't mean to direct that particularly at you. Sorry. I was just highlighting the general human habit we all have. Please forgive me for making that look like it's an issue with you. It is not.

I don't think Taubes was only willing to accept one theory. I think he wanted a good study design, which, in his mind, didn't happen. For that reason, most scientist would not be good with just giving up on their hypothesis. One could make that argument about many scientist (including Hall). And, the run-in diet was a huge mistake. That happens. I don't think Hall tried to make that work like it did. However, the point of the study was caloric balance before the diet. That was a study design objective. If it doesn't happen, that's a flaw and confounder for the study. No ways around that.

A scientist is someone that seeks truth in science. That can be a writer. Look at the guys credentials for science, and his research. I'm just trying to make a point that you don't have to work in a lab or occupy an ivory tower to be a "scientist". Eminence over evidence is an issue in both nutritional science and medicine today.

All scientist have expectations....it's called a hypothesis. You have to be able to divorce yourself from them when viewing the results, though. I believe that's the point you are trying to make, and I agree.

The other important thing is that Taubes wasn't the only one that had an issue with various things. Not trying to pick sides, but just highlighting he wasn't alone.

janejellyroll

terryritter1 wrote: »

Look at the guys credentials for science, and his research. I'm just trying to make a point that you don't have to work in a lab or occupy an ivory tower to be a "scientist".

What credentials for science and research are you referring to?

I don't think you have to work in a lab or occupy an ivory tower (whatever you mean by that) in order to be a scientist. But at some point, you have to do, you know, science. And there is no evidence that Taubes has actually engaged in that.

He's engaged in advocacy journalism, he's brought public attention to the work of scientists and non-scientists, he's arranged to fund people who are scientists. But is he himself a scientist? I don't believe so.

As far as him being willing to accept only one theory, it's my understanding that he is blatantly disclosed this about himself.

NovusDies

janejellyroll wrote: »

What credentials for science and research are you referring to?

I don't think you have to work in a lab or occupy an ivory tower (whatever you mean by that) in order to be a scientist. But at some point, you have to do, you know, science. And there is no evidence that Taubes has actually engaged in that.

He's engaged in advocacy journalism, he's brought public attention to the work of scientists and non-scientists, he's arranged to fund people who are scientists. But is he himself a scientist? I don't believe so.

As far as him being willing to accept only one theory, it's my understanding that he is blatantly disclosed this about himself.

To be 100 percent fair people that raise money for various diseases are also biased towards believing there are cures even after years, millions of dollars, and repeated failures. The problem here is that we already know the cure and everyone wants to find a shortcut because there is HUGE money in it.

What I personally believe is that no matter what the alternate theories are, even if there is a measure of truth to them, none of them will ever make a significantly measurable difference in humans. In other words, if there is any truth to sugar making a difference I believe if you abstained from it for 2 years while you diet you might get to your goal weight an hour sooner. I think the same of IF and the rest.

snickerscharlie

I wanted to - once and for all - prove that the earth is flat. Am I a scientist? Nope, I just really, really, really believe in my pet theory and have an innate ability to talk people into parting with their $$ to help fund my 'research.' Did I let the fact that on my very first fund-raising plane ride it became painfully obvious that the earth may not be flat deter me?

No, I just pulled down the window shade, cranked up the volume on my iPod, and pondered my next money-laundering scheme.