Absence Quote by Rush D. Holt, Jr
“The concern now is whether policymakers even understand the meaning of evidence. Whether there is any truth to this descriptor of "fact-free era." Whether policy is going to be made more and more in the absence of scientific input.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2020
Policymakers often ignore scientific evidence, risking decisions in a “fact‑free” era.
In simple terms: Policymakers ignore science, leading to uninformed policies.
Key Takeaway
Demand evidence‑based policy.
Themes
politics
science
truth
Mood
urgent
concerned
Type
political
scientific
When to use this quote
- legislation
- public health
- environmental regulation
- education reform
Key Concepts
epistemology
policy making
Questions to Reflect On
- How can scientists better influence policy?
- What mechanisms ensure evidence is used?
A Different Perspective
Scientific literacy is uneven; political agendas may resist facts.
