Pseudoscience setting policy: a bad idea

From Michael Crichton: Why Politicized Science is Dangerous Michael Crichton offers an excerpt from his new book, A State of Fear as an introduction to his argument that making policy based on “science” dominated by political ideology is harmful. Imagine that there is a new scientific theory that warns of an impending crisis, and points to a way out. This theory quickly draws support from leading scientists, politicians and celebrities around the world. Research is funded by distinguished philanthropies, and carried out at prestigious universities. The crisis is reported frequently in the media. The science is taught in college and high school classrooms. Read it and think about its application to today’s public policy dustups based on ideology-driven “science”. Read and consider: State of Fear edited to include a more direct link to State of Fear and bumped to top.