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.
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