The core values of the Behrens Science Museum are integrity, humility, open-mindedness, skepticism, and collaboration. We seek the truth by testing ideas and weighing evidence—even when it challenges our expectations. Our exhibits will focus on the ways in which human thinking can be flawed and how the scientific method helps us to overcome these mistakes. We recognize that new evidence may change our understanding, and we welcome your input to improve the museum.

Integrity

Integrity at the Behrens Science Museum means our commitment to truth is based on evidence and careful reasoning. Truth does not depend on personal preference, profit, political agenda, or popularity; only the evidence matters, whether it supports or challenges our views. This principle guides everything from our exhibits to our public engagement. We strive to present information objectively, even when it challenges widely held beliefs.

An important aspect of our commitment to integrity is the principle of charity. When examining claims—even those we question—we present them in their strongest form. Our goal is not necessarily to debunk, but to foster understanding of how evidence-based conclusions are reached. Our exhibits will present the best available evidence, enabling thoughtful engagement and informed conclusions.

Protecting scientific expression and ensuring evidence-based decision-making are essential to scientific integrity. Integrity requires including all voices in the conversation; excluding individuals based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic undermines our ability to challenge assumptions and identify biases. Welcoming diverse perspectives helps us uncover hidden assumptions and reach more robust conclusions. This inclusive approach ensures that our exhibits will remain objective and foster a community enriched by diversity.

Humility

Science is a human endeavor, and at the Behrens Science Museum, we embrace humility by acknowledging that we make mistakes, recall information inaccurately, and often overestimate our abilities. Our thinking is subject to many flaws, such as mistaking correlation for causation and relying on logical fallacies. Cognitive biases can lead us to favor information that confirms our existing beliefs while dismissing contradictory evidence.

A central theme of our museum is exploring the ways in which human thinking is flawed and how science overcomes these shortcomings. Exhibits will delve into optical and auditory illusions, perceptual mistakes, biases, and failures of memory to illustrate these inherent limitations. By better understanding themselves, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the rigor of the scientific method, which is designed to help scientists avoid drawing incorrect conclusions. We also acknowledge the limits of our knowledge, demonstrating humility in areas where data is limited or of poor quality.

Different individuals and groups may have unique insights and experiences that help identify limitations in existing knowledge and approaches. By actively seeking and valuing diverse perspectives, we embrace a collective humility that acknowledges that no single viewpoint holds a monopoly on truth.

Open Mindedness

Open-mindedness at the Behrens Science Museum means being willing to reconsider our views based on new information. We actively seek evidence regardless of whether it supports or challenges our perspective, and we evaluate the evidence impartially. Changing our minds signifies learning and growth. Certainty is the opposite of open-mindedness.

Our exhibits will embody this value by remaining open to the possibility of being wrong. We will encourage visitors to consider: What new evidence would lead us to revise our understanding of the exhibit? This willingness to adapt our views in light of new evidence is fundamental to the scientific process and a key aspect of critical thinking that we aim to instill in our visitors.

Skepticism

Skepticism is a vital tool in the pursuit of knowledge and a cornerstone of our approach. It involves questioning and scrutinizing claims to determine whether they are true. As Carl Sagan noted, skeptical thinking provides “the means to construct, and to understand, a reasoned argument and, especially important, to recognize a fallacious or fraudulent argument.” Skepticism requires withholding judgment until sufficient evidence is presented and recognizing that there are many things that we do not yet know.

Our exhibits will encourage visitors to approach claims—especially those related to the paranormal and pseudoscience—with a discerning mindset. We will explore why scientists are skeptical of phenomena like UFOs and Bigfoot and what kind of evidence would be necessary to change those views. Our goal is to empower visitors to develop their own reasoned arguments and to identify fallacious or fraudulent claims in the information they encounter daily. This skepticism will be applied uniformly to all claims, regardless of their source.

Individuals from different backgrounds often bring unique viewpoints to evaluating claims and evidence. For example, magicians—though not scientists—are frequently skeptics because their expertise in deception and illusion gives them insight into how easily our perceptions can be manipulated. Embracing these varied perspectives enriches our collective capacity for critical inquiry and strengthens our commitment to evidence-based thinking.

Collaboration

Science is inherently a group activity, and the Behrens Science Museum deeply values collaboration. Peer review, in which research is subjected to scrutiny by other experts, is a crucial mechanism for correcting errors in science. The replication of research findings by independent teams further strengthens confidence in scientific knowledge.

In the spirit of collaboration, the development of the Behrens Science Museum itself must be a collective effort. We plan to crowdsource as many exhibit concepts and designs as possible, drawing on the expertise and creativity of scientists, educators, skeptics, and the broader community. We also aim to build partnerships with local schools and organizations and engage in global collaborations in the digital realm. By fostering a collaborative environment, we can create a richer, more engaging, and more impactful museum experience for all. We welcome your ideas and feedback as we plan the museum.

Scientific progress depends on collaboration among equals—not exploitation. True collaboration requires fairness, respect, and the recognition of all contributions. By showcasing the achievements of women, minorities, and other historically marginalized groups alongside traditionally celebrated scientists, we will highlight the full spectrum of scientific progress. At the same time, we acknowledge past and present injustices—such as the exploitation of Henrietta Lacks or the unauthorized use of creative works for AI training—that undermine the principles of equity and consent. By recognizing both achievements and ethical challenges, we affirm our commitment to fostering a more just and inclusive scientific community.

Conclusion

At the Behrens Science Museum, our core values—integrity, humility, open-mindedness, skepticism, and collaboration—form the foundation of our mission. We believe that science and skepticism abhor authoritarianism; that data is the ultimate authority; and that inquiry must remain free from coercion. Almost 70 years ago Jacob Bronowski wrote, “The society of scientists must be a democracy. It can keep alive and grow only by a constant tension between dissent and respect, between independence from the views of others and tolerance for them.” We invite you to join us in fostering an environment where diverse perspectives and rigorous inquiry drive our collective pursuit of truth, ensuring that science remains a dynamic, inclusive, and inspiring journey for all.