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How about we just read the paper on its own merits? More import than related people's political ideology, must surely be the methodology used, and whether othe

How about we just read the paper on its own merits? More import than related people's political ideology, must surely be the methodology used, and whether others can confirm the data and methods used as correct.... Science is not racist or non-racist, it's just science. And the personalities of the people doing the science should havr no bearing on the correctness of the conclusions reached if the proper scientific method is used, plus some peer review and attempts to replicate the findings.

dredmorbius 10y ago
Because contexts matter. Because reputation matters. Because ideologically-driven "research" often shows both conscious and unconscious bias. (For a fascinating study of the latter, look up the case of "Clever Hans".) Forewarned, a closer examination of the piece for flaws is highly advised. The narrator has proved unreliable in past. And because it seems of late the practice of giving the benefit of the doubt seems to have presented itself as problematic in instances. Yes, it's possible for even the most unreliable of sources to be correct on occasion. That would be an exception to the rule, and still not provide a basis for trust, reputation, or authority.