(even if they can't spell Skepticism in the U.K.
)
John Beddington is the UK government's chief scientific adviser and head of the Government Office for Science
Science is progress, but not progress unchallenged. In our era of "instant solutions" and immediate response, it is easy, and perhaps tempting, to forget that true advancement is attained through criticism, scepticism and debate. Great scientists have often challenged the status quo, but armed with the facts and evidence required to justify their view. Those who challenge the collective view should be scrutinised, and if this scrutiny results in truth, should be rightly celebrated.....
http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/th...d-consens.html
(Sorry I just noticed that I typoed "need" in the title.....I know, I know, the Knights that say Nee....I thumb my nose in your general direction!)