Nature Podcast

REBROADCAST: A brief history of politics and science

Nov 1, 2024

28:48

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Melinda Baldwin, a historian of scientific publications, reveals Nature's intricate ties with politics. Philosopher Chiara Ambrosio dives into the demarcation problem, questioning what truly defines science. Shibita Parthasarathy shares insights about how power dynamics shape science and policymaking. Together, they challenge the myth of science as an objective domain, illustrating how societal influences and political funding can sway scientific inquiry. Their discussion uncovers the complex relationship between science and politics through history, including key moments like World War II.

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Quick takeaways

The podcast explores the intricate relationship between science and politics, emphasizing that they cannot be perceived as entirely separate realms due to their intertwined nature.

It highlights the historical evolution of Nature's editorial stance on political engagement, illustrating how world events have significantly influenced its approach to aligning science with political discourse.

Deep dives

The Intersection of Science and Politics

The relationship between science and politics is complex and often contentious, challenging the notion that they should remain separate domains. This episode highlights how science cannot be isolated from political implications, especially when political decisions can directly impact research and funding. Historical insights illustrate that scientific institutions have long engaged with political matters, as seen in Nature's early editorials advocating for scientific education and women's rights. Acknowledging this connection is vital as it shapes the foundational understanding of science and its role in society.

Intro

2min

The Interplay of Science and Politics

22min

Exploring the Interplay Between Science and Politics

3min

The Intersection of Science and Politics Post-War

2min

The Interdependence of Science and Politics

2min

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 this episode we delve into the past, and uncover the complicated relationship between science, politics and power. Along the way, we come up against some pretty big questions: what is science? Should science be apolitical? And where does Nature fit in?

This episode was produced by Nick Petrić Howe, with editing from Noah Baker and Benjamin Thompson. it featured contributions from many researchers, including: Shobita Parthasarathy, Alice Bell, Dan Sarewitz, Anna Jay, Melinda Baldwin, Magdelena Skipper, Steven Shapin, David Edgerton, Deborah Blum, Bruce Lewenstein and Chiara Ambrosio. Quotes from social media were read by: Shamini Bundell, Flora Graham, Dan Fox, Edie Edmundson and Bredan Maher. And excerpts from Nature were read by Jen Musgreave.

Further Reading

History of Education in the UK

Nature’s History

Nature’s Mission statement

Nature editorial on covering politics

Making “Nature”, by Melinda Baldwin

Never Pure: Historical Studies of Science as if It Was Produced by People with Bodies, Situated in Time, Space, Culture, and Society, and Struggling for Credibility and Authority, by Steven Shapin

David Edgerton’s writing on the history of science and politics in the Guardian

The received wisdom podcast with Shobita Parthasarathy

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