Nature Podcast

REBROADCAST: Talking politics, talking science

Nov 3, 2024

23:49

Snipd AI

This discussion features Deborah Blum, an accomplished science journalist, Bruce Lewenstein, an insightful academic, and Beth Simone Noveck, a researcher dedicated to evidence-based policymaking. They delve into the intricate ties between science and politics, exploring how journalism shapes public perception of scientific facts. The dangers of politicization and the manipulation of scientific data are examined, particularly in contexts like climate change and mask mandates, highlighting the call for transparency in governance and the ethical role of science communicators.

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

The politicization of science complicates public understanding, as differing value systems distort scientific consensus on critical issues like climate change.

Effective science journalism must prioritize truth over political narratives, accurately conveying the consensus to foster informed public dialogue.

Deep dives

The Intersection of Science and Politics

Science is deeply intertwined with politics, impacting research from individual scientists to government levels. The relationship can lead to significant distortion of scientific information, as different value systems affect how evidence is perceived and interpreted. For example, a scientific study might be labeled political based on one's existing beliefs, especially regarding contentious issues like climate change or public health measures. This politicization can obscure the consensus within the scientific community, complicating the public’s understanding of critical issues.

Intro

2min

The Interconnection of Science and Politics

2min

Navigating the Intersection of Science and Values

2min

The Politics of Science and Climate Change

3min

Politics, Science, and Public Trust

14min

The Interconnection of Politics and Science

3min

This series was originally broadcast in 2020.

Science and politics are not easy bedfellows - "Stick to the science" is a three part series which aims to find out why.

In the third and final episode we try to get to the bottom of how journalists, communicators and policymakers influence how science is perceived. We discuss the danger of politicization and ask the question - can science be part of the political narrative without compromising its values?

This episode was produced by Nick Petrić Howe, with editing from Noah Baker and Benjamin Thompson. It featured: Deborah Blum, Bruce Lewenstein, Dan Sarewitz, Hannah Schmid-Petri, Shobita Parthasarathy, and Beth Simone Noveck.

Further Reading

The great fish pain debate

Politicization of mask wearing

Masks work

Donald Trump used a quote from Anthony Fauci to falsely suggest Fauci approved of his actions in the pandemic

Comparing Norway and Sweden in their coronavirus combating actions

Beth Simone Noveck argues for more open and transparent governance

Solving Public Problems, by Beth Simone Noveck

Smart Citizens, Smarter State: The Technologies of Expertise and the Future of Governing, by Beth Simone Noveck

The Received Wisdom Podcast, with Shobita Parthasarathy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.