Seventeenth International Conference on Technology, Knowledge, and Society

Abstract

Most political issues today have a strong scientific and technological component. Consider, for example, the current Coronavirus pandemic and climate change. Yet, science and politics have different starting points, assumptions, procedures, and goals. Science seeks to understand reality through empirical investigation with no preconceptions. The scientific standard emphasizes objectivity, data, and reasoning. Politics is concerned with the power–the ability to influence and control others. To that end, political appeals often are not based on logic or data but on emotional appeals to prejudice and stereotypical thinking. This paper examines the tortuous relationship between science and politics and offers suggests as to how the two may interact in a productive manner.