Astral Codex Ten Podcast
Only About 40% Of The Cruz "Woke Science" Database Is Woke Science
Feb 17, 2025
A recent analysis of a federal grant database uncovers that only 40% of projects are truly 'woke,' challenging common assumptions. Topics include the unintended political implications of scientific funding and the ongoing need for rigorous standards in rapidly evolving fields like neurotechnology. The focus also shifts to the balance between advancing scientific innovation and promoting inclusivity, while advocating for research quality over political narratives. Overall, it questions the government's ability to differentiate between valuable research and perceived 'woke' initiatives.
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Quick takeaways
- Approximately 40% of federal grants classified as 'woke' often included diversity-related phrases disconnected from their scientific objectives.
- The evaluation of these grants highlights concerns about the balance between advancing diversity initiatives and maintaining core scientific integrity.
Deep dives
Analysis of Woke Grants
A significant analysis revealed that approximately 40% of grants from the National Science Foundation during the Biden-Harris administration could be classified as 'woke.' This classification was based on the subjective determination of individuals reviewing abstracts for grant proposals. Many grants included a sentence indicating a potential benefit for women and minorities, often viewed as an attempt to meet diversity criteria without having substantive content related to equity. Such patterns suggest that the inclusion of these phrases was a strategic move to enhance the grants' chances of approval, highlighting a disconnect between the stated objectives of the projects and their actual scientific merit.
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