Unscientific America: 11. Harris and Chomsky

In this chapter of "Unscientific America," Chris Mooney and Sheril Kirshenbaum explore the relationship between science and politics, focusing on the work of two prominent intellectuals: Sam Harris and Noam Chomsky. They argue that Harris's and Chomsky's work has been distorted by the media and that their views on science are more nuanced than they are often portrayed.

Unscientific America: 9/11, Harris and Chomsky

by Francis Paul Prucha

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1377 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	96 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Sam Harris

Sam Harris is a neuroscientist and philosopher who has written extensively about the relationship between science and religion. In his book "The End of Faith," Harris argues that religion is a dangerous and irrational force that has no place in the modern world. He also argues that science is the only reliable way to understand the world and that we should use it to inform our decisions about how to live our lives.

Harris's views on science have been criticized by some scientists, who argue that he overstates the case for science and that he does not give enough credit to the role of intuition and creativity in scientific discovery. However, Harris's work has also been praised by many scientists, who admire his clear and concise writing style and his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.

Noam Chomsky

Noam Chomsky is a linguist and political activist who has written extensively about the relationship between science and politics. In his book "Manufacturing Consent," Chomsky argues that the media is controlled by a small group of powerful elites who use it to manipulate public opinion and maintain their own power. He also argues that science is often used to justify policies that benefit the wealthy and powerful.

Chomsky's views on science have been criticized by some scientists, who argue that he is too pessimistic about the role of science in society. However, Chomsky's work has also been praised by many scientists, who admire his brilliant intellect and his commitment to social justice.

The Media's Distortion of Harris and Chomsky

Mooney and Kirshenbaum argue that the media has distorted the work of Harris and Chomsky in several ways. First, they argue that the media has often portrayed Harris as an anti-science crusader, when in fact he is a strong advocate for science. Second, they argue that the media has often portrayed Chomsky as a radical leftist, when in fact he is a moderate liberal who has criticized both the left and the right.

Mooney and Kirshenbaum also argue that the media has often failed to understand the nuances of Harris's and Chomsky's views on science. For example, they point out that Harris does not believe that science is the only way to understand the world. He also believes that intuition and creativity play an important role in scientific discovery. Similarly, Chomsky does not believe that science is always used for good. He also believes that science can be used to justify policies that benefit the wealthy and powerful.

Mooney and Kirshenbaum conclude by arguing that the media's distortion of Harris's and Chomsky's work has made it difficult for the public to understand the complex relationship between science and politics. They call for a more nuanced and accurate portrayal of Harris's and Chomsky's views in the media.

Unscientific America: 9/11, Harris and Chomsky

by Francis Paul Prucha

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1377 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	96 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE