Leicestershire MP challenged by science writer on “alternative” therapy and astrology
A scientist with a PhD in quantum physics will challenge David Tredinnick at the General Election over his backing for homeopathy and astrology.
Journalist and author Dr Michael Brooks has lectured at some of the most prestigious universities in the world and is a consultant at New Scientist magazine.
Dr Brooks says he will stand as an independent candidate against Bosworth’s 60-year-old Conservative MP because he objects to Mr Tredinnick’s support for alternative medicines.
He said: “Mr Tredinnick is symptomatic of the problem facing the future of Britain, not just because he was involved in the expenses scandal, but because he is exactly the kind of MP who undermines science.
“Tredinnick’s expenses included a claim for astrology software. Do we want MPs to be making decisions about the future of our country based on where Saturn happens to be in the sky on the night before a vote in the House of Commons?”
He added: “He is a champion of pseudo-science and a hindrance to rational governance.”
But Mr Tredinnick hit back at the claims, and criticised scientists who he said were unwilling to consider the evidence for alternative healthcare.
He said: “This seems focused on my support for complementary medicine. The attacks on homeopathic medicine have increased recently.
“There is a danger that so-called scientists are so set in their ways that they are unable to consider alternative viewpoints. Systems of healthcare in India and China have linked medicine and astronomy for centuries. Are we really just dismissing their views?”
Tredinnick’s astrology software cost the taxpayer £755. The amount was repaid earlier this year.
“There is a danger that so-called scientists are so set in their ways that they are unable to consider alternative viewpoints” Good grief! All scientists start off with alternative viewpoints; they are called hypotheses. Eventually, they become convinced by overwhelming evidence for or against their hypotheses.
Scientists are set on finding evidence to support their claims about the real world and will stick to that. I’m sure that incumbent MP would very happy that forensic scientists working for the police are so set in their ways when looking for evidence that might convict him of a crime. Fortunately, (most) scientists don’t change their point of view on a scientific issue based on political expediency.
Another non-scientist using ‘so-called’ rhetoric to decide what science is and isn’t.
my sister do believe very much in astrology. maybe the stars might have something to do with our futures.`*
i read a lot of atrology stuffs on the internet because i believe so much in astrology**~
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