This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Thursday, 5 October 2023
'Depoliticising' Science or 'Desciencing' Politics?
UK politics has always been a 'science free' zone. Remarkably few politicians have had University training in a science. Most didn't even do a science in secondary school. Most politician's level of understanding of how science is conducted is extremely limited. Phillip Ball is consequently right to be concerned that the current Science Secretary, Michelle Donelan, has announced plans to 'depoliticise' science. Donelan plans to issue 'guidelines' on sex and gender research, to prevent 'wokeness' creeping in (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/04/science-research-sex-gender-michelle-donelan-conservatives-conference). Sex and gender are a lot more 'fluid' that lay people generally assume. Science is a methodology that's used to make sense of our world. It has to be done by devising and carrying out unbiased tests of hypotheses (possible explanations of phenomena) as well as accurately reporting those results (this is why science fraud is so dangerous). It can't be done by following guidelines based on preconceived ideas. Most scientists study things because they are interested in the phenomenon, rather than because they have 'woke' ambitions or are working to an alternative political agenda.
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Wooden Tops 16. Hawthorn
As Hawthorn wood is strong and closely-grained, it's often used for carving. This wood is also employed to make tool handles, as well a...
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Green buckwheat ( Fagopyrum tartaricum ) is also called 'Tartar buckwheat'. It's a domesticated food plant, producing kernels. ...
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Greater spearwort ( Ranunculus lingua ) has been used in traditional medicine to treat rheumatism, skin conditions and digestive problems.
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Daily shots of my fully compostable Oyster mushroom pot, received for Christmas. Omelettes ahoy!
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