Team Scientists Should Normalize Disagreement

When researchers collaboratively tackle challenging questions, such as those related to climate change, the impact of artificial intelligence, or the nature of consciousness, they often encounter disagreements that are difficult to resolve (1). When disagreements persist, what should the team members do? Options may seem limited to co-authoring a paper they disagree with, delaying in hopes that consensus will eventually be reached, or leaving without credit. However, there is a better approach: transparently documenting the disagreements.