Political Science: Where Evidence and Ideology Collide
Political Science: Where Evidence & Ideology Collide
Scientific advice—who needs it? Winston Churchill summed up the relationship between politics and science well, saying “scientists should be on tap, but not on top.” But when politics bumps up against science, there are consequences for all of us. Gun laws, climate change, abortion, and vaccines—in this original Takeaway series, we’ll examine a variety of hot button issues where ideology conflicts with science.
In the early '90s, CDC research showed that households with a gun had higher rates of violent deaths. The NRA questioned the science and worked to cover it up.
Gen. Barry McCaffrey weighs in on the behind the scenes jockeying over a scientific report on drug policy. He says science can easily get distorted when political agendas are at stake.