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Science as a monolithic institution is a trap. We ought to be able to trust the public with complex realities and contradictions. The scientific method and d
by randusername 16d ago
Science as a monolithic institution is a trap.
We ought to be able to trust the public with complex realities and contradictions. The scientific method and dogged researchers have brought us many wonderful things, but at the same time fraud happens and the layman might reasonably question to what extent the academy attracts fraudsters and to what extent it creates them.
If we can get over the absolutes then we can discuss policy changes.
Graduate student collective bargaining is one experiment; how can anyone blow a whistle on malfeasance with such an extraordinary and widening power imbalance?
- blackbear_ 16d agoTotally agree with this framing: trust in public institutions (scientific, governmental, etc.) is a common good that needs to be promoted and safeguarded. Identifying and punishing fraud is a part of it, whistleblower protection another, modernizing the system so that graduate students are not so dependent on individual advisors yet another idea. More and more personal contact between the public and scientists could be useful too, for example via science fairs, meet & greets and so on.