Krugman on Science

I’ve been complaining about the Republican War on Science for months now. But I’m a scientist, so maybe I’m biased. Here is what Paul Krugman — an economist — wrote in a post on his substack account:

“We’re looking at a near-collapse of U.S. science. I don’t mean a hypothetical collapse a few years down the road, but the destruction of large parts of the American scientific enterprise — the envy of the world just a few months ago — this year.

Why should those who aren’t scientists care? In the 21st century, science isn’t some esoteric intellectual affair. It’s the foundation of social and economic progress. And no, we can’t expect the private sector to fill the gap left by loss of government support. Basic research is a public good: it generates real benefits, but those benefits can’t be monetized because everyone can make use of the knowledge gained. So government support is the only way to sustain science. And that support is being rapidly ended.”

I agree with Krugman: science generates real benefits for society. We need science. It is for everyone, not just a few intellectuals.

I’m a scientist. Republicans are killing science. I will hate them for it, forever and ever and ever.