The semantic problem i have with people who frequently claim science is "neutral" or "above politics" is that the very concept of political neutrality in itself is difficult to define, if it even exists. By claiming that scientific observations are an absolute truth, one puts them in a position of hierarchal superiority over all other possible claims about the matter at hand -- hierarchies are not apolitical, and it is obvious that a certain scientific claim or discovery will slide into the slot of a certain ideology trying to push an argument or narrative. Further danger comes when exact science, which is prone to historical mutations and human error, is the one occupying the top chair, which makes questioning its precepts paramount to maintaining an equilibrium. I disagree that science should be "deposed" as the absolute truth in regards to political and social matters, but what i'm stating is that we should be careful when characterizing it as "apolitical", which it is not. Arguing about the political implications of science is not "being an ideologue".
Moreover, i wouldn't discard the possibility that Peterson was indeed acting very incompetently prior to his debate with the other scholar. He was aware that he would happen months prior, thus had the capacity to prepare for it, but somehow stumbled into the scene talking about an entirely different subject than what was planned and openly admitting that he didn't even read primary sources on the topic he tried to switch it to. I'm not sure about you, but that doesn't feel like the behavior of a particularly smart man.
Moreover, i wouldn't discard the possibility that Peterson was indeed acting very incompetently prior to his debate with the other scholar. He was aware that he would happen months prior, thus had the capacity to prepare for it, but somehow stumbled into the scene talking about an entirely different subject than what was planned and openly admitting that he didn't even read primary sources on the topic he tried to switch it to. I'm not sure about you, but that doesn't feel like the behavior of a particularly smart man.
Last edited: