Donald Trump’s presidency has been marked by a series of controversial executive actions, many of which have sparked widespread debate and criticism. However, one aspect of his administration that has received less attention is his focus on education and knowledge production. While some may view this as a positive step towards improving the country’s education system, sociologist Philip N. Cohen argues that these measures actually represent a concerted effort to undermine scientific enquiry across all fields of research.
In his article, “Does Trump’s ‘Common Sense’ Equal a War on Social Science?”, Cohen delves into the implications of Trump’s executive actions on education and research. He argues that these measures, while seemingly innocuous, have far-reaching consequences that could have a detrimental impact on the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of society as a whole.
One of the key areas that Cohen highlights is the Trump administration’s budget cuts to scientific research and education. In March 2017, Trump proposed a budget that would slash funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the National Science Foundation (NSF) by billions of dollars. This move has been met with widespread criticism from the scientific community, who argue that these cuts would severely hamper their ability to conduct research and make important discoveries.
But it’s not just the budget cuts that are cause for concern. Cohen also points to Trump’s appointment of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education, a controversial figure who has little experience in education and has been a vocal advocate for school choice and charter schools. Cohen argues that DeVos’ lack of knowledge and expertise in education could have a negative impact on the country’s education system, particularly in the areas of science and research.
Furthermore, Cohen highlights Trump’s disdain for evidence-based policymaking, as evidenced by his decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement and his rejection of scientific evidence on issues such as climate change and vaccinations. This anti-science stance, according to Cohen, not only undermines the credibility of scientific research but also hinders progress in addressing important societal issues.
Cohen also raises concerns about the Trump administration’s attacks on the social sciences. In May 2017, the White House released a budget proposal that would eliminate funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). While these agencies may not directly fund scientific research, they play a crucial role in supporting and promoting the social sciences, which are essential in understanding and addressing complex social issues.
But perhaps the most alarming aspect of Trump’s approach to education and knowledge production is his dismissal of experts and reliance on “common sense”. Cohen argues that this anti-intellectualism not only undermines the value of expertise but also perpetuates a dangerous narrative that anyone can have an opinion on complex issues without the need for evidence or expertise.
In conclusion, Cohen’s article sheds light on the hidden implications of Trump’s executive actions on education and knowledge production. While these measures may seem insignificant in the short term, they represent a larger effort to undermine the pursuit of knowledge and scientific enquiry. As a society, we must recognize the importance of evidence-based policymaking and the value of expertise in addressing complex issues. We cannot afford to let Trump’s “common sense” approach lead us down a path of ignorance and regression. It is imperative that we continue to support and defend the pursuit of knowledge and the advancement of science, for the betterment of society and future generations.
