A science free of prejudice and bigotry would be one that recognizes these realities and works actively to minimize them. It would be a scientific community where diversity of background, perspective, identity and lived experience is valued and fostered. Such a community would strive for greater inclusivity in terms of who gets to participate in scientific research (for example, by supporting historically marginalized groups), what topics are considered worth studying (for example, by investigating issues related to social justice), what methods are considered valid (for example, by acknowledging indigenous ways of knowing) and how results are communicated (for example, by using language that doesn't reinforce harmful stereotypes).
What could a science free of prejudice and bigotry have looked like? How could t
16 days later
The only way to eliminate prejudice would be if we had infinite IQs and were supremely logical. It ain't going to happen. Bigotry has always been with it and each generation has to weed the mental garden of bigots and their influence
4 days later
Thanks for the clearly written essay, I enjoyed reading it! The main suggestions for improving science appeal to increased funding for research, more interdisciplinary collaboration, more open access and open communication (p5), and diversifying the pool of scientists and researchers (p6). I think everyone can get on board with that! As MagnoliaCentipede mentions, it's hard to completely eliminate bias. In my essay I proposed "falsification trees" as a way of keeping adversarial collaborations as objective as possible, which might be of interest..
12 days later
Great essay. I agree prejudice, bigotry and bias are rife and hold us back, I also find your views on advanced Alien physics good, and I think my own essay on that topic proves yours correct, with some different but logically unavoidable solutions! Your list of astrophysical etc questions is important to address (the aliens suggest solutions to all!) In particular the importance of using NON-mathematical modelling is agreed. Well done, high mark coming.
Like your essay, prejudice and bigotry are highlighted as deficiencies in the Global Externalities, practices actually used by scientist themselves: gender-based, racist, and even orthodox-based against new ideas. Also greater weight given to media-popular studies and the corporate agenda influence in terms of profit over basic science, something government should do more of. Combining a connecting branches of science is also important, biology utilizing more quantum studies. Alien studies, ridiculed in UFO observations, is becoming more of a thing with exoplanet study. Many good feature in this essay.