Posted on 11/11/2006 3:18:09 PM PST by WesternCulture
One in four Swedes think Astrology is a science
According to a new opinion poll, 23 per cent of Swedes consider astrology a science, while 14 per cent regard intelligent design as a scientific theory.
Working with pollster Synovate Temo, Vetenskap & Allmänhet (VA), an association that works with establishing trust between researchers and the general public, interviewed more than 1,000 Swedes to find out their views on science and research.
The organisation has carried out similar polls every year since 2002.
A full 36 per cent of young women and 16 per cent of young men between the ages of 16 and 19 answered in the affirmative when asked if they believed astrology to be a science.
Of all those surveyed 23 per cent classified astrology as a science, which is six percentage points higher than last year.
"The results show that people have an insufficient grasp of what science is. That is why we need more contact and meetings between researchers and the general public," said Camilla Modéer, head of VA.
The level of confidence in researchers at universities and colleges has slowly decreased over the years, but they still enjoy a high level of trust from 70 per cent of Swedes.
On the whole, Swedes have a positive opinion of science. Almost 9 out of 10 believe that scientific developments have improved the lives of ordinary people.
An equally high proportion of those surveyed felt that more care should be taken to corroborate the results of scientific studies before they are presented to the general public.
Two thirds of Swedes would like to see fewer alarming reports in the media.
Paul O'Mahony
No doubt a survey that asked if "socialism is scientifically based" would elicit over 45% saying yes.
In a related story, most Swedes also do not believe their immigrant Islamic population has no designs on Swedish society, even though they have been wearing t-shirts that say
"2030
WE TAKE OVER ".
Swedes' awareness of global warming on the rise according to new study
Are you folks aware that Behe testified in Dover (for "Intelligent Design") that, by his definition of science, astrology qualified?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.