524116 research-article2014
PRF0010.1177/0267659114524116PerfusionEditorial
Editorial
The Science of Politics and The Politicization of Science
“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors”
Plato: Greek Philosopher 427 BC – 347 BC Politics (from Greek: politikos, meaning “of, for or relating to citizens”) 1) The activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power. and/or 2) Activities aimed at improving someone’s status or increasing power within an organisation. The practice and theory of influencing other people on a civic or individual level is essentially defined as politics. Further scrutinising, politics refers to achieving and exercising positions of governance, i.e., methodically controlling a human community, popularising unilateral views, negotiating, law making and wielding power or force, including warfare against perceived antagonists. Practised at various levels, from central and local governments as well as clans and tribes, politics can also be beneficial in providing a framework for improvement. Science (from Latin scientia, meaning “knowledge”) 1) The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. Science is a methodical evaluation that defines and refines knowledge in the form of demonstrable interpretation as well as unravelling the mysteries of the universe. Analytical and balanced intelligence could also mean science which has been rationally applied for advancement. The manipulation of science for positive or negative yield is the politics of science. In the current era of financial constraint and governance, influencing scientific research itself or its dissemination/interpretation is inveigled by bureaucratic, financial, philanthropic and/
Perfusion 2014, Vol. 29(2) 101 © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/0267659114524116 prf.sagepub.com
or humanitarian organisations. However, the most significant impact is loss of scientific and academic freedom. The defiance of scientific unison for contrary interests is most damaging to the wellbeing and future of mankind and stifles puritanical pursuit. The abuse of science is the politicisation of science. Nonetheless, science is consistently constructive and a congenial, harmonious and mutually beneficial rapport prevails. Political activities involve compromise, arbitration and/or mediation towards achieving a coveted point. Science can and should be complimentary to achieving a common desired purpose and experts in science should coalesce with politicians - political experts to promote and augment collaboration and scientific advancement. When making an argument, people often selectively choose or present data that makes their case look as strong as possible. This is an effective tactic in argumentation; cherry picking is inescapable as all uses of facts are highly selective by their nature. On complex scientific subjects, there are typically many valid ways to interpret data and present findings. This is a segment of the abundance of science, especially in multifarious, heterogenous questions. In cases where experts disagree, the politician often can, and must, select among expert opinions. Some issues are debated in terms of science, but, in reality, are more about causal politics and social and/or moral issues. To a certain extent, science can never be divorced from politics. Scientists apply for funding and grant commissioners may have a vested interest in the result. However, conceding scientific progress to be influenced by market processes, the veiled mask of objectivity that gives unwarranted authority to equally biased research will be uncovered. Privately funded studies are vulnerable to criticism from all sides and will have to prove exceptional scholarship – not simply a grant-giving government authority – to convince anyone of their validity. If governments regulate the flux of knowledge, it may regulate the whole caboodle. Let us endorse the bazaar of ideas to remain true to its name.
Downloaded from prf.sagepub.com at SUNY HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER on March 27, 2015
Prakash P Punjabi Editor-in-Chief, Perfusion
PRF0010.1177/0267659114524116PerfusionEditorial
Editorial
The Science of Politics and The Politicization of Science
“One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors”
Plato: Greek Philosopher 427 BC – 347 BC Politics (from Greek: politikos, meaning “of, for or relating to citizens”) 1) The activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power. and/or 2) Activities aimed at improving someone’s status or increasing power within an organisation. The practice and theory of influencing other people on a civic or individual level is essentially defined as politics. Further scrutinising, politics refers to achieving and exercising positions of governance, i.e., methodically controlling a human community, popularising unilateral views, negotiating, law making and wielding power or force, including warfare against perceived antagonists. Practised at various levels, from central and local governments as well as clans and tribes, politics can also be beneficial in providing a framework for improvement. Science (from Latin scientia, meaning “knowledge”) 1) The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. Science is a methodical evaluation that defines and refines knowledge in the form of demonstrable interpretation as well as unravelling the mysteries of the universe. Analytical and balanced intelligence could also mean science which has been rationally applied for advancement. The manipulation of science for positive or negative yield is the politics of science. In the current era of financial constraint and governance, influencing scientific research itself or its dissemination/interpretation is inveigled by bureaucratic, financial, philanthropic and/
Perfusion 2014, Vol. 29(2) 101 © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/0267659114524116 prf.sagepub.com
or humanitarian organisations. However, the most significant impact is loss of scientific and academic freedom. The defiance of scientific unison for contrary interests is most damaging to the wellbeing and future of mankind and stifles puritanical pursuit. The abuse of science is the politicisation of science. Nonetheless, science is consistently constructive and a congenial, harmonious and mutually beneficial rapport prevails. Political activities involve compromise, arbitration and/or mediation towards achieving a coveted point. Science can and should be complimentary to achieving a common desired purpose and experts in science should coalesce with politicians - political experts to promote and augment collaboration and scientific advancement. When making an argument, people often selectively choose or present data that makes their case look as strong as possible. This is an effective tactic in argumentation; cherry picking is inescapable as all uses of facts are highly selective by their nature. On complex scientific subjects, there are typically many valid ways to interpret data and present findings. This is a segment of the abundance of science, especially in multifarious, heterogenous questions. In cases where experts disagree, the politician often can, and must, select among expert opinions. Some issues are debated in terms of science, but, in reality, are more about causal politics and social and/or moral issues. To a certain extent, science can never be divorced from politics. Scientists apply for funding and grant commissioners may have a vested interest in the result. However, conceding scientific progress to be influenced by market processes, the veiled mask of objectivity that gives unwarranted authority to equally biased research will be uncovered. Privately funded studies are vulnerable to criticism from all sides and will have to prove exceptional scholarship – not simply a grant-giving government authority – to convince anyone of their validity. If governments regulate the flux of knowledge, it may regulate the whole caboodle. Let us endorse the bazaar of ideas to remain true to its name.
Downloaded from prf.sagepub.com at SUNY HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER on March 27, 2015
Prakash P Punjabi Editor-in-Chief, Perfusion
