Questioning the Unquestionable

Dr. Rebecca V. Culshaw, author of the forthcoming book Science Sold Out: Does HIV Really Cause AIDS? has written an interesting (and no doubt controversial) commentary to mark World AIDS Day.

It can be viewed here.

Elsewhere on the web, Dr. Culshaw writes:

My work as a mathematical biologist has been built in large part on the paradigm that HIV causes AIDS, and I have since come to realize that there is good evidence that the entire basis for this theory is wrong. AIDS, it seems, is not a disease so much as a sociopolitical construct that few people understand and even fewer question. The issue of causation, in particular, has become beyond question – even to bring it up is deemed irresponsible.

Why have we as a society been so quick to accept a theory for which so little solid evidence exists? Why do we take proclamations by government institutions like the NIH and the CDC, via newscasters and talk show hosts, entirely on faith? The average citizen has no idea how weak the connection really is between HIV and AIDS, and this is the manner in which scientifically insupportable phrases like 'the AIDS virus' or 'an AIDS test' have become part of the common vernacular despite no evidence for their accuracy.

Whether or not you agree with Culshaw's views, I'm sure you'd agree that it's important that there are individuals and groups willing to intelligently question the seemingly unquestionable.


See also the related Wild Reed post:
• HIV on Trial