The thinking problem in HIV-science

Abstract

Other contributors to this collection will be discussing the scientific evidence regarding HIV and AIDS in detail. To avoid duplicating their efforts, and to make a contribution appropriate for a Professor of Law, I will concentrate on the quality of the reasoning employed in AIDS research. I have a healthy respect for scientific methodology in its proper sphere. If I were persuaded that the scientific method had been properly employed to determine what AIDS is, how it is caused, and how many people are at risk for AIDS, I would happily accept the judgement of the scientific profession on such matters. Unfortunately, however, the scientific method has never been properly directed to determining the cause of AIDS or the extent of the claimed epidemic. Instead of real science we have had only HIV-science, which is something very different.