Why science isn’t objective

At least not how we think it is

We think of science as being an objective account of the world, free from the influence of political and other biases. But things aren’t that simple. Evidence alone doesn’t tell you when you’ve had enough evidence to support a claim, so scientists sometimes have to make judgements that rely on ethical and political values. This realisation shatters our understanding of scientific objectivity as value-free. But not all is lost, argues Stephen John. 

 

"Social distancing and face masks should stay FOREVER says Communist SAGE committee member Professor Susan Michie". The Daily Mail's implication was clear: because she's a card-carrying Communist, Susan Michie can't be trusted. When her politics were raised by an interviewer, Michie's response was simple: "you don’t ask other scientists about politics so I’m very happy to speak about science, which is what my job is, and to limit it to that". For Michie, politics is one thing, science another.

One way to sum up this mini-controversy is in terms of objectivity: the Mail is claiming that Michie can't be objective, but she says she can be. We often think that scientists should be objective, and we associate scientific objectivity with "value-freedom". We think that some scientific claim is objective when the justification for that claim doesn't depend on any ethical or political values. We call a scientist objective when she hasn't allowed her values to influence her reasoning or arguments. These ideas of good science as value-free relate to a broader notion of science as telling us about the way the world really is, stripped of comforting illusions. This image can also justify why science should play an important role in policy. Effective policy needs to be based on our best understanding of the world. Good, objective scientists tell us how the world is. Precisely because they achieve this perspective by ignoring values, they can act as neutral arbiters in politics. So, there's a nice package of ideas, linking politics, science, objectivity and value-freedom, which explain why we care whether Michie can leave her communism at the door.

There's only one problem: that picture is false.

There is no way at all of doing science which doesn't somehow prejudge or assume some ethical or political or economic viewpoint.

 

How science is value-laden 

The example above neatly sums up a general problem in thinking about science, politics and policy. Scientific advisors play a central role in policy-making. In the Covid-19 pandemic, UK government leaders have stressed that they are "following the science". Given their power, it seems important scientists don't let their own political, ethical or economic values influence their advice. It would be deeply undemocratic if, as the Mail implies, Michie sneaked communism into policy via the backdoor of science advice. And that seems a valid concern even if communism is a good idea. On the other hand, scientists are, of course, humans with needs, wants, passions and interests. Can they avoid letting values influence their claims? 

Continue reading

Enjoy unlimited access to the world's leading thinkers.

Start by exploring our subscription options or joining our mailing list today.

Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber? Log in

Latest Releases
Join the conversation

mikel lee 11 May 2023

Online Quran academy is a USA situated online modern Islamic educational center that offers quality services at a reasonable price. Our Quran Academy is certified Quran.

yang yeo 13 April 2023

It's so fun, I'm immersed in it

Sweet Parker 17 June 2022

It should be mentioned, science is far more objective than any pseudo science and most important of all that all the science theories are double checked by endless scientist all over the world unlike conspiracy theories etc. Science has created everything surrounding us, from modern building we live in up to the hi technology we can't imagine our lives without. Science is everywhere, if there were no scientists starting from Aristotle and alike than, most obviously, we were still living in caves, lol. For that reason I trust MyAssignmentLab and their professional science experts. They double check what they do and send students only verified material with unique experiments etc.

zena bartell 18 August 2021

I am playing to these while I am in class. [url=https://geometrydash-free.online]Geometry Dash[/url]

falakshairr falakshairr 12 August 2021


i like this<a href="https://www.google.com/">post</a>
i like this[url=https://www.google.com/]post[/url]

falakshairr falakshairr 12 August 2021


i like this<a href="https://www.google.com/">post</a>
i like this[url=https://www.google.com/]post[/url]

falakshairr falakshairr 12 August 2021

We think that some scientific questions are realistic when the justification for that right does not depend on any norm or political conditions. I searched for [url=https://dailyiowan.com/2021/04/08/personal-essay-writing-guide-2021-top-5-tips/]dailyiowan.com[/url] for educational purposes. We call it a scientific site when it does not allow its values to influence its ideas or arguments. These ideas of good science as free in relation to the broader science of science as it tells us about the way the world is really, have removed the illusions of comfort.

uzaiir lioo 12 August 2021

We think that some scientific questions are realistic when the justification for that right does not depend on any norm or political conditions. I searched for [url=https://dailyiowan.com/2021/04/08/personal-essay-writing-guide-2021-top-5-tips/]dailyiowan.com[/url] for educational purposes. We call it a scientific site when it does not allow its values to influence its ideas or arguments. These ideas of good science as free in relation to the broader science of science as it tells us about the way the world is really, have removed the illusions of comfort.

sk si 11 August 2021

Has anyone heard of this door company? I am really in need of a barn door wall mounted sliding hardware for my renovation. Would gladly appreciate it if someone can check <a href="https://caldwells.com/interior-doors">https://caldwells.com/interior-doors</a> link to their site

edgar roa 9 August 2021

I really love your voice... Thank you for sharing your talent with everyone. You are an inspiration. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed listening to your songs..
https://pergolaswollongong.com/

sk si 8 August 2021

Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the pictures on this blog loading? I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated. [url=https://aesthetic-australia.com/collections/dermatological-lasers]Dermatological Lasers[/url]

Hudson McLeish 2 August 2021

The topic is complex, but interesting for discussion, I agree with the main thesis, despite the fact that I have little knowledge in this matter. In general, science is not my favorite direction, so I do not write anything on these topics myself, but I use the services of writing services, and I also want to recommend you a useful thing that is important in the educational process, use the https://papersowl.com/what-is-papersowl you can go to a cool writing service, where you can immediately study the review and find out what is PapersOwl service that will help you quickly and efficiently complete your assignments.