4 ms·

Really, we can blame the politicians and mass media for this, as there are merits to discussing the viability of herd immunity, what it would entail, and weighi

by dvt 6y ago

Really, we can blame the politicians and mass media for this, as there are merits to discussing the viability of herd immunity, what it would entail, and weighing its merits compared to shutdowns and social distancing. Discourse has become so inflamed (on purpose: it drives clicks), there's a tendency to look at science through the lens of politics. I have a few friends working on startups/solutions to this (non-sensationalist reporting, fact-checking apps, etc.), but I personally think the cat's already out of the bag.

cooper12 6y ago
There was a NYT article on this today. Most other scientists thought that their idea didn't actually consider how this would be implemented, and ignored those living in multigenerational households. Touting fringe theories to pander to libertarian ideals and those in the White House in the midst of a pandemic is not responsible science. It's fine to float these ideas, but if mainstream science didn't agree, it becomes dangerous, since their whole approach was "live like nothing's happening and let grandma fend for herself". Note, we already have a case study in this approach in the form of Sweden, and they have high deaths figures and economic impact.
- deepnotderp 6y ago
  "Touting fringe ideas like heliocentrism in the middle of a faith crisis is not responsible science" (I actually don't even agree with his ideas about covid)
  - dvt 6y ago
    I know this is meant to be tongue-in-cheek, but there's something poignant about this post which I really admire.
ogurechny 6y ago
There is a global media plague, and it's way more serious than an actual disease. No one specifically has started it, and no one specifically can stop it. It tells you something about modern people and societies, and it's not something you can fix by mere smartphone application. Reading Giorgio Agamben, one can see that he was completely devastated by the sight of absolute cowardice and obedience (I don't mean particular social and governmental issues, I mean lack of mental self-sufficiency), and his theoretical work realized in such a way.

by dvt 6y ago

cooper12 6y ago

There was a NYT article on this today. Most other scientists thought that their idea didn't actually consider how this would be implemented, and ignored those living in multigenerational households. Touting fringe theories to pander to libertarian ideals and those in the White House in the midst of a pandemic is not responsible science. It's fine to float these ideas, but if mainstream science didn't agree, it becomes dangerous, since their whole approach was "live like nothing's happening and let grandma fend for herself". Note, we already have a case study in this approach in the form of Sweden, and they have high deaths figures and economic impact.

deepnotderp 6y ago
"Touting fringe ideas like heliocentrism in the middle of a faith crisis is not responsible science" (I actually don't even agree with his ideas about covid)
- dvt 6y ago
  I know this is meant to be tongue-in-cheek, but there's something poignant about this post which I really admire.

ogurechny 6y ago

There is a global media plague, and it's way more serious than an actual disease. No one specifically has started it, and no one specifically can stop it. It tells you something about modern people and societies, and it's not something you can fix by mere smartphone application. Reading Giorgio Agamben, one can see that he was completely devastated by the sight of absolute cowardice and obedience (I don't mean particular social and governmental issues, I mean lack of mental self-sufficiency), and his theoretical work realized in such a way.