Science, Race, and Scientific Truth, Past and Present

Bibliographic Data

ID12416927
AuthorsUte Deichmann (0000-0003-0990-2337, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume31
Issue5
Pages459-478
Publication date2023-10-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEuropean Review (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1062-7987 • E-ISSN: 1474-0575
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s1062798723000200
OpenAlexW4387783890
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited4

This article examines the violation of longstanding scientific norms, in particular universalism, objectivity, and truth orientation by new identity policies such as the principle of ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ (DEI). The imposition of this principle by public opinion, administration, and mass media, particularly in the United States but also in other countries, contradicts the principle of equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, nationality, and class, by putting the emphasis of assessment on group identities. The implementation of this principle has begun to damage careers, threaten scientists and lower standards in academia. In order to provide a historical perspective, I review how the violation of scientific norms has impacted scientific success in past authoritarian countries, in particular the USSR under Stalin, and Nazi Germany. The comparison with past authoritarian countries does not aim at equating situations from then and now, but can help understand social and political mechanisms of current events. It also highlights in a drastic way consequences that a violation of scientific norms may have for science today

Authoritarianism · Democracy · Environmental ethics · Epistemology · Immigration · Nationality · Objectivity (philosophy · Political science · Politics · Social science · Sociology · Universalism · Academic Freedom and Politics · Law

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