Life Quote by Naomi Oreskes
““If science took the side of regulation—or even gave evidence to support the idea that regulation might be needed to protect the life on Earth—then science, the very thing Jastrow, Nierenberg, Teller, and Frederick Seitz had spent their working careers trying to build up, would now have to be torn down.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Lecture on Science and Regulation, 2015
Science can become a tool for regulation, contradicting its traditional role of independent inquiry.
In simple terms: Science may be used to justify rules.
Key Takeaway
Beware of science being co-opted for policy.
Themes
science
regulation
ethics
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- environmental law
- public health
- technology governance
- academic research
Key Concepts
policy influence
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- How should scientists balance truth‑seeking with policy impact?
- Can evidence be neutral?
A Different Perspective
Science used for regulation may limit its objectivity.
