&gt;Yes. The search for scientific truth shouldn&#x27;t be a narrative for the people who pay for it.<p>I don&#x27;t believe the parent comment is arguing on behalf of &quot;merchants of doubt&quot;. He or she is suggesting that it should be possible to enter into a contract with a scientist in which the scientist agrees to investigate a scientific truth without disclosing it publicly in exchange for money. Whether you have herpes is a &quot;scientific truth&quot; a scientist might discover, but it&#x27;s your prerogative whether that fact is publicly disclosed.