Science

Science refers to the application of the scientific method over time in order to create continuous improvements in our understanding of the universe.

It does not refer to any specific theory or contemporary understanding of how things work. Any of these theories could be invalidated by future research.

A common saying in 2023 is Trust the Science. Those that understand science know that this means to trust the scientific method and the peer review process to validate true claims and invalidate false ones over time, rather than trusting in any particular scientist, institution, or theory.

Ultimately the goal of society should be to adopt the best practices for maximizing happiness throughout all aspects of the government, economy, and culture, as revealed through scientific research.

This should include standards for when to update those best practices that avoid abrupt and confusing changes to what science recommends based on popular research. One of the things that has significantly eroded confidence in science is the constant stream of seemingly contradictory health studies that get outsized media attention. An authoritative recommended health regimen from a trusted institution that only changes when significant and overwhelming new evidence warrants it would make it much easier for people to ignore all the noise generated by sensationalist scientific reporting.