Minamata Disease: Interaction Between Government, Scientists, and Media

摘要: It is often said that the Great East Japan Earthquake and Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident shook people’s trust in science. This suggests people had, until then, unreasonable or unrealistic expectations about what science can achieve how “scientific knowledge” functions society . In fact, Minamata Disease Incident, which occurred during late 1950s, a solution was hampered by incorrect understanding of realities science, along with failure to provide correct understanding. (1) even if certain things are yet not fully understood, it still possible state “We know this much at least.” point should have been clarified. (2) The nature scientific explications such they gradually refined made more accurate using range theories. As process highlighted reasons for need refinement, gave impression scientists were merely running confusion. (3) A vicious cycle resulted, wherein endeavored conduct thorough inquiry into causes disease, less action Japanese government took on grounds had reach definite conclusion. While general, pursuit truth transcends temporal restrictions, be wary colluding policy makers when research results expected social policies.