Inside Political Science #026 – Fighting About the Facts: Science vs. Politics

Will the U.S. lose its world power? Are we on a path to a lower quality of life? In this episode, Kirby and Todd bring on Dr. Matt Motta to talk about the politicization of scientific research and how it affects our lives and power. As the federal government makes budget cuts, Dr. Motta wonders what will happen to important research. He argues that things like GPS, the internet and medicine are direct results of scientific investment. Plus, how will universities, which do much of the country’s research, be affected? Universities can be valuable assets to local communities, but will the decision makers realize that? Finally, the group discusses our technically complex world full of expertise and opinions. Dr. Motta says it’s okay to be skeptical of science and recognizes that scientists aren’t always perfect. He wants to push them to better explain the value of their work, admit when they’re wrong and show people how the power of science can change the world for the better. For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/insidepoliticalscience.