Into the Impossible With Brian Keating Why I Worry Every Time Someone Says to “Follow the Science” w/ Georgia Howe
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Sep 19, 2024 
Georgia Howe, a contributor at The Daily Wire, dives into why she cautions against the mantra of 'follow the science.' She discusses the vital distinction between knowledge and wisdom, urging a critical examination of scientific claims, especially in politically charged contexts. Howe emphasizes the impact of political pressures on scientific integrity and the importance of public engagement to rebuild trust. With sharp insights, she explores how to separate credible science from flawed research, especially in high-stakes scenarios.
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Knowledge Is Not Wisdom
- Science creates knowledge but not wisdom, so expertise doesn't automatically confer moral or policy judgment.
- Brian Keating notes Nobel laureates held odious social views, showing technical brilliance can coexist with poor wisdom.
Follow The Science Is Not A Command
- 'Follow the science' is risky because science is not monolithic and shouldn't be translated into automatic obedience.
- Keating warns politicians should not abdicate decisions by citing uniform scientific consensus that rarely exists.
Models Are Not Theories
- Distinguish theories from models: theories are well-tested frameworks, models are single predictions with limited inputs.
- Keating stresses models (e.g., pandemic or climate projections) carry less weight and are fragile for one-off events.