Thanks, I think I understand. Somewhere I heard that science was debatable and conclusions were flexible. I didn’t think that sounded right. But, with math there is no debate, right?
Yes, with math you can prove a theorem, so that, barring some flaw in the underlying assumptions of mathematics, it can be taken as 100% correct.
With science, a theory can only be said to be “well established”. Such a theory would seem to be the best explanation for observed phenomenon, and would also have made predictions that were verified by experiments or observation. However, even the best established theories are subject to being revised, or thrown out completely, if new experiments or observations raise problems.
Science is not about conclusions, beliefs, consensus: it is about finding the exceptions to the best description available, and revising said description to encompass all the ‘facts’.
Playing with the factual data to achieve agreement with a pet idea is the opposite of science, in fact, it is the political practice of altering perception to achieve an agenda.