Nature Podcast REBROADCAST: A brief history of politics and science
Nov 1, 2024
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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Science and Politics Intertwined
- Science and politics are closely intertwined and cannot be easily separated in practice.
- Attempts to keep science apolitical often ignore how politics influences scientific research and its implications.
Nature's Historical Political Role
- Historically, Nature has integrated politics into its coverage since its inception in 1869.
- Nature embraced scientific education advocacy early on and resumed political engagement after a mid-20th-century apolitical phase.
Nature Stands for Science
- Nature covers politics when it impacts scientific research and autonomy.
- The journal stands up for science especially when politics threatens research or global collaborations.