The conversation discusses concerns about the seeping in of ideology into academic research, particularly in social movements such as critical race theory, as well as the historical defensive use of value neutrality in preventing greater inclusion and questioning of scientific priorities.
The tobacco industry argued that cigarettes causing cancer was a political opinion rather than a scientific fact in order to distract from the truth that cigarettes cause a range of deadly diseases, including blindness and amputation. These efforts allowed them to keep selling cigarettes and ignoring the serious health risks associated with smoking.
This episode explores the idea that the ideology of value neutrality was created as a defensive shield to prevent greater inclusion and questioning of the priorities of science, and how it is being used today in debates around topics such as critical race theory. The discussion also touches on the tobacco conspiracy's use of impassionate research to discredit opponents.
This podcast episode discusses the debate surrounding the meritocracy in universities and how power should be distributed between the faculty and administration.