Accusing science of bias is a stepping-stone to admitting ideologically tainted alternatives

Evidence

In fact, it is quite common for those who oppose particular scientific findings to be quite comfortable applying their own ideological litmus test to an area of inquiry (even though they may deny that this is what they are doing) under the guise of “openness” and “fairness.” The goal here is a cynical attempt to undercut the idea that science is fair and raise doubts that any empirical inquiry can really be value neutral. Once this has been established, it seems a small step to make the case for consideration of “other” theories. After all, if one suspects that all science is biased, it may not seem so egregious to consider a theory that might be tainted by one’s own ideological beliefs. — Lee McIntyre, Post-Truth, 57

Categorization

• XREF: Echoes the “both sides” / false-balance journalism critique and manufactured-doubt tactics from Merchants of Doubt. — connects to: Intellectuals must admit ideology rather than claim value-free science — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 435; Brain science disguises ideological presuppositions that philosophers must expose — Catherine Malabou, What Should We Do with Our Brain?, 54

Broader Connections

• Intellectuals must admit ideology rather than claim value-free science #expands (0.85) — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 435
• Brain science disguises ideological presuppositions that philosophers must expose #complicates (0.80) — Catherine Malabou, What Should We Do with Our Brain?, 54