Entomologists Get a New Call to Action in the Fight Against Disinformation
At Entomology 2024, science writer and author Shawn Otto told entomologists that pushing back on the forces aligned against reason and objectivity is a critical part of their job description. ‘Science itself is never partisan, but it’s always political,’ he said. Photo for ESA by James Palczewski
Entomology Today
Regardless of one’s political leanings, it’s been evident for many recent years that science is fighting what feels like an uphill battle against disinformation, both in the U.S. and around the world.
After this predicament was thrown into stark relief in 2024, science writer and author Shawn Otto told scientists gathered at Entomology 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sunday that pushing back on the forces aligned against reason and objectivity is a critical part of their job description.
“Science itself is never partisan, but it’s always political,” Otto said. The author of books such as his most recent The War on Science: Who’s Waging It, Why It Matters, What We Can Do About It, says any given scientific finding will challenge someone’s worldview or economic interests. “As scientists you need to think about that. It’s not partisan, but there are political ramifications, because knowledge itself is power, and power is political,” he said.
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