Modern science constantly faces the challenge when debates turn not into the search for objective truth but into a battle for the right to have the last word.

Embracing Collaboration: A Shift from Dogmatism to Progress

Modern science constantly faces the challenge when debates turn not into the search for objective truth but into a battle for the right to have the last word. Instead of a fruitful exchange of ideas, discussion participants often stubbornly defend preformed beliefs, which only leads to the entrenchment of dogmatism. However, true scientific discovery begins with the desire to collaborate and to seek the best hypotheses that allow the collection of the most complete set of data and evidence. This approach helps to avoid the trap of endless disputes and fosters a transition from polarized opinions to constructive interaction. After all, when scientists stop fighting for self-assertion, the path to objectivity and progress begins—ultimately making science more flexible and dynamic.

Why do scientists and investigators prefer to collaborate by selecting the best ideas instead of arguing?

Scientists and investigators understand that disputes often only reinforce the initial convictions of the parties involved, rather than bringing them closer to the truth. In discussions, people tend to insist on having the last word, and thus the debate turns from a search for truth into a struggle for self-affirmation. This realization leads them to aim for cooperation: by choosing the best hypotheses and versions, they minimize the risk of becoming entrenched in dogmatism—a trait known to be common among many in the scientific community. In this way, collaboration allows for gathering a more complete and objective set of evidence and ideas, avoiding the trap of endless disputes in which truth is rarely born.

Supporting citation(s):
"According to my deep conviction, truth is very rarely born in a dispute. Most of the time, people argue for the sake of arguing, for self-affirmation, and to have the last word." (source: link txt)
"In view of all that has been said, the author believes it is worth remembering that many scientists have a dogmatic way of thinking, and that changes in scientific paradigms do not occur through a natural evolutionary process, but through the natural replacement of generations—in simpler terms, through the passing away of the bearers of the old paradigm." (source: link txt)