Why Do “Trickster-Scientists” Appear in the Aftermath of Serious Accidents and Incidents Caused by Science and Technology?

• In Event: Conspiracy, Controversy, and Doubt: Consequences of Knowing and Unknowing

Abstract

“Trickster scientists” often play an important role (at least in Japan) in the aftermath of serious accidents and incidents caused by science and technology. For example, just after the Minamata disease research group at the School of Medicine in Kumamoto University published the organic mercury theory on the causes of Minamata Disease, Professor Kiyoura of Tokyo Tech conducted a survey of water quality of Minamata Bay just for five days in total and reported to the governing ministry (MITI) that the conclusion that Minamata disease is caused by industrial wastewater including organic mercury is premature. Later he advocated his organic amine theory on the causes, which was a scientifically too shameless theory. A similar “trickster scientist” is found in the case of Itai-Itai disease as well.
“Trickster scientist” here means a legitimate expert in a certain field to transcend the boundaries of her/his specialized field in relation to the accident or incident and to shake public opinion or policy, at least temporarily. I am particularly interested in the case that “trickster scientists” carry out scientifically somewhat crippling things where they crossed the borders, although they quite often have virtually no direct interest in the issue concerned.
Such a “mysterious” existence of “trickster scientists” may be explained by conspiracy theory, salience theory, social constructionism theory, or even by normality bias of scientists and policy makers. By analyzing the behaviors of several scientists after the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, I would like to propose analytical concepts for understanding of “trickster scientists.”

Author

• Masashi Shirabe, Tokyo Institute of Technology