Scientists are today’s evil sorcerers in ivory towers
The rods of Moses and the Magicians turned into Serpents (image public domain)
Poor George Monbiot. Is screaming at a wall finally taking its toll?
In a entitled ‘The trouble with trusting complex science’ in Monday’s Guardian, Monbiot bemoans the illogical and tribalist political opinions associated with the climate debate. He aptly uses the words of science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke:
‘Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.’
Yet so many, whether ‘denier’ or ‘warmist’, seem to think they know it all. Or, rather (let’s face it) those who accept man made climate change trust the scientific community and those who are climate skeptics don’t. And this seems to be determined overwhelmingly by their political identification.
How frustrating for those who actually know some science. How frustrating for those who have a bit of humility.
Skepticism concerning politicians and big business is healthy and necessary, but outright denial of the work of scientific specialists – or science in general – is pretty much pointless. Yet, at the same time it seems to be natural – or at least traditional, anyway. Moreover, when politics and science are conflated, as they are now in never before seen proportions, ‘popular scientific opinion’ and political ideology become indistinguishable.
After all, scientific knowledge is not very democratic, but rather the achievement of individuals and small groups. It brings power and can be exploited by those in power to immoral ends. It is also remarkably shut off from the public. And few cared until now:
If scientists want people at least to try to understand their work, they should raise a full-scale revolt against the journals that publish them. It is no longer acceptable for the guardians of knowledge to behave like 19th-century gamekeepers, chasing the proles out of the grand estates.
–George Monbiot
Ultimately I think it comes down to having at least a realistic modicum of faith in government and perhaps ultimately humanity. Don’t get me wrong, the general cynicism directed towards authority is well deserved, but knee-jerk ultra cynicism towards anyone considered a ‘political enemy’, regardless of the scientific evidence they present, is both unreasonable and unrealistic.
by Graham Land
Additional resources:
Andrew Revkin – A Historian Looks ‘Back’ at the Climate Fight
Think locally, act globally? – More on the psychology of climate change
Psychology and the environment
Graham Land grew up in Washington, D.C., where he was part of the local hardcore punk scene. Through this unique musical movement he became involved in grass roots anti-racist activism, animal rights and Ecology. Since 2000 Graham has lived in Europe, earning an MA in history from Malmö University in Sweden and working as a musician, English teacher, sports therapist, customer service agent and writer. Graham has a podcast with author Saci Lloyd and is currently pretending to work on his first novel.
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Tags: change, climate, Monbiot, science, scientist, skeptic, sorcerer
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