The social sciences have the unique remit of slowly and steadily gathering evidence in support of phenomena that are considered tautologies. Take for example the work of Dr. Alan Bentley of Durham University, who has been researching models of large-scale human behaviour which demonstrate that a vast percentage of people make cultural choices on the basis of what ‘innovators’ are perceived to be doing. Sounds self-evident, doesn’t it? But the implications aren’t so good, especially if the same attitudes extend to, say, voting or financial habits. Says Dr. Bentley:

“When political agendas are constantly changing, it’s a sign that politicians are copying each other rather than thinking for themselves.”

Another self-evident truth confirmed, eh?