Scientific consensus

Scientific consensus refers to overwhelming majority support among scientists for a specific hypothesis. This is generally the most parsimonious explanation of multiple plausible hypotheses. While these more complicated hypotheses may be plausible and scientists may not be completely comfortable with the prevailing hypothesis, no strong argument can be made for abandoning the prevailing hypothesis in favor of another one. The concept figures in political discussions (compare peer review, scientific method). The true value of a scientific theory or observation comes from repeatability and fertility of new ideas. However, the concept of consensus is a useful guide to research areas.

Public policy advocates often appeal to scientific consensus to settle various issues such as safety and conservation, when that happens to suit their own argument. If the consensus runs against their argument, they will ignore or belittle it.