I read a post  that should encourage discussion on science, “scientism”, and their roles in political and ethical debates.  Reality matters to me a lot, and science is the way we learn about the physical world.  But sometimes people on all sides of a debate try to use “science” as a way to deny or shut down their opponents; as if to say “It’s not my opinion, it’s science, so you must agree with me or you’re an idiot.”  That approach encourages a response of “Oh yeah?  I’ve got my own facts, so who’s the idiot now?”  Science and civility are both losers in such an exchange, and problems are not likely to be solved.

I wrote here about a lecture I attended on how to not-be-a-jerk.  When we talk to others, we need to remember that religion and politics, or ethics and government, are at the core of what makes life worth living for each of us.  Good people can disagree on important issues.  We owe it to each other to be well informed when we discuss important issues, but we’d do better if we could admit when we are sharing facts and when we are expounding on our own opinions or values.