Heather Douglas on how values shape science advice

The practice of science is impossible without importing values from society, and it's time to leave behind the notion of the independent science advisor who speaks truth to power. So argues Professor Heather Douglas, author of the influential book 'Science, Policy and the Value-Free Ideal'.

In this episode, Toby Wardman talks to Professor Douglas about how we can make sense of a value-laden scientific community, and which ideals should replace independence for those who give scientific advice to policymakers.

Heather Douglas works at Michigan State University and is a board member of the Peritia project on trust in science.

=== Resources mentioned in this episode ===

===Timestamps===
00:00 Intro
00:50 What is the value-free ideal?
05:00 We need to apply ethical values.
09:42 A concern for politicians or scientific advice community?
15:25 There are no independent science advisors.
17:18 What is the right ideal?
22:30 Conflicts between duty to advisee and duty to the public.
25:02 Any dangers in welcoming rather than resisting personal values?
29:45 Is this about shared values or identity politics?
30:30 What about the weaponization of science?
33:40 Are the scientists, the politicians, and the public on board?
36:10 Teaching science as a process of genuine inquiry?
39:00 Why should we rely on science then?
40:20 This is why science is reliable.
41:00 How to define correct- safe advice?
42:52 Outro

[EllaBirt]

I love this! I don't know how I stumbled upon it, but this is just what I needed. I'm not a scientist, but I'm always pondering if objective truth is possible, what does it mean. When I look at scientific research, sometimes it doesn't seem very objective. There are scientific studies on topics that are just not observable and studies that use questionable methods or equipment. This convo really fills in some gaps, alleviates a bit of my existential anxiety.