Heterodox STEM

Heterodox STEM scrutinizes the impact of ideological trends in academia, focusing on free speech, due process, and the challenges against merit-based systems. It highlights the influence of postmodernism, 'wokism', and DEI initiatives on educational standards, advocating for open debate and intellectual diversity in STEM fields.

Academic Freedom Ideological Trends in Education Merit and Diversity in Academia Free Speech on Campus Intellectual Diversity Critique of Postmodernism and Wokism

The hottest Substack posts of Heterodox STEM

And their main takeaways

The Royal Society at a Crossroads: Scientific Merit versus Political Conformity

106 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🔬 Science STEM Political issues Public Trust
  1. There is a debate about whether someone like Elon Musk should be kept as a Fellow of the Royal Society due to his political statements and actions. Some people believe his scientific achievements should matter more than his opinions.
  2. The discussion raises concerns about mixing politics with science. It highlights the importance of judging scientific work fairly, based on its merit, rather than personal beliefs.
  3. The Royal Society faces pressure to prioritize political views over scientific excellence. How they respond could set an important example for scientific communities everywhere.

Freedom of enquiry in academia is dead, murdered by Professor Plum in the library with the lead piping of identity politics.

206 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🚌 Education Academia Freedom Expression Politics Censorship
  1. Academic freedom is under threat, with many professors feeling censored by current identity politics. This makes it hard for them to express differing views openly.
  2. Modern universities are focusing more on adhering to policies rather than encouraging innovation and critical thinking. This shift is harming the quality of education.
  3. There is a call for a return to objective truth and open discussions in academia. Without diverse opinions and debates, intellectual growth is stunted.

Sex in Biology Signature Campaign

156 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🔬 Science Biology Evolution Ecology Genetics Research
  1. Some biology societies have stated that sex is not simply male or female, which has caused confusion.
  2. A group of biologists has written a letter saying that sex should actually be defined by gamete type, meaning there are two sexes.
  3. They are asking other biologists to sign this letter to support their view and clarify the definition of sex.

You can help end illegal discrimination in academia

249 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Education Discrimination Policy Activism
  1. Discrimination in academics based on race is illegal, and institutions can lose federal funding for such practices. It is crucial for schools to treat all students equally, regardless of race.
  2. Programs that claim to be neutral might still discriminate if they are influenced by race. Institutions cannot use indirect ways to favor or disadvantage students based on their race.
  3. If you see discrimination in education, it's important to report it. You can file a complaint with the Department of Education, and there are ways to do this anonymously for safety.

Why I wrote an article questioning the prevalence of white supremacy in psychology

170 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Race Issues Psychology Education Social justice
  1. The American Psychological Association apologized for its past role in racism, highlighting the need for change in the field. Psychologists must acknowledge history while moving forward to support all communities.
  2. A detailed critique of clinical psychology accused it of harboring racism and called for an anti-racist approach. The authors believe that psychology must evolve to be more inclusive and fair.
  3. The response to the critique showed mixed feelings, with some supporting it and others opposing it. This indicates a deep divide in psychology on how to address racism and maintain scientific integrity.
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Rolling the DEI

234 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academia Social justice Gender Issues Meritocracy Diversity Initiatives
  1. Bias is present in academia and is often not unconscious. Many feel that men struggle to gain recognition in this environment.
  2. Data suggests that award processes in universities may not truly reflect merit and can be influenced by gender and diversity initiatives.
  3. The academic focus on diversity and inclusion sometimes leads to a lack of male representation in awards, raising questions about the fairness of these systems.

The National Science Foundation and the fine line between anti-discrimination and flat-out racism

249 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights Diversity Government Policy Legal issues Social justice
  1. The National Science Foundation's GOLD program was created to boost diversity in geosciences but has faced criticism for possibly promoting discrimination instead of true inclusion.
  2. There have been incidents where events limited participation based on race, raising legal concerns about civil rights violations under federal law.
  3. Many diversity initiatives funded by the government need better oversight to ensure they don't violate civil rights, and it’s important for people to report any discrimination they encounter.

Baby Instruction Manual

135 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
  1. When you have a baby, focus on them immediately if you're in charge. Don't get distracted by work or other things.
  2. If your baby starts crying, follow a checklist of things to try, like checking their diaper or feeding them.
  3. If you can't calm your baby, it's okay to ask your partner for help, but try to solve the problem first before calling.

With Indigeneity, Universities Aren’t Following the Science

334 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🚌 Education Higher education Academic Freedom Decolonization
  1. Universities should promote free inquiry and have open discussions about all ideas, including Indigenous ways of knowing. Avoiding these conversations can lead to a lack of understanding and legitimate critique.
  2. If an idea cannot be tested or questioned, it cannot be considered scientific. This means that theories presented without detailed evidence fall outside of scientific discourse.
  3. The push for indigenization and decolonization in universities may replace established scientific methods with other belief systems. This could undermine the core mission of universities to pursue truth and knowledge.

What I would change at NSF

355 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🔬 Science Research Funding Public Policy STEM Education Scientific Integrity Government reform
  1. The NSF should refocus on funding high-quality scientific research based solely on merit rather than identity politics.
  2. Key reforms include changing their vision and core values to prioritize excellence in science.
  3. Unnecessary offices and initiatives that do not contribute to scientific advancement should be eliminated to streamline the NSF's efforts.

The Forthcoming Future: MIT Students and Desired Number of Children

78 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🚌 Education Surveys Demographics Fertility Research Gender Studies Cultural Trends
  1. MIT students on average want around two children. The desire varies across different demographics and can be influenced by factors like gender and relationship status.
  2. Women at MIT generally desire fewer children, with many expressing concerns about balancing family and career. In contrast, men tend to prefer slightly larger families.
  3. Religious beliefs can affect how many children students want, with religious individuals generally preferring more children than those who identify as non-religious.

Censorship Undermines the Pursuit of Truth

135 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🔬 Science Academic Freedom Censorship Public Policy
  1. Censorship in academic settings can limit the discussion of important truths. When researchers can't speak freely, society misses out on valuable insights.
  2. There are organizations and conferences focused on addressing and fighting against academic censorship. These groups aim to protect freedom of thought and promote open conversations.
  3. The Journal of Controversial Ideas allows authors to publish under pseudonyms. This encourages debate on sensitive topics while safeguarding individuals' careers and safety.

“Merit-Based Science Is Effective and Fair”: How Such a Banal Idea Has Become Controversial

213 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🔬 Science STEM Meritocracy Publishing Education Ideology
  1. Merit-based science has significantly improved our lives by leading to important inventions and medical advancements. It relies on rewarding talent and hard work, enabling people from various backgrounds to succeed.
  2. There is a growing concern about the influence of ideology on science, especially with movements pushing for diversity and equity. Some believe these changes hinder the scientific process and meritocracy.
  3. Despite claims of bias in science, studies suggest that many of these allegations lack strong evidence. Some researchers argue that society has made progress in creating equal opportunities in STEM fields.

The key takeaway from MIT’s Great Climate Policy Debate

163 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate Policy Debate Nuclear power Sustainability Energy
  1. All four experts agreed that stopping nuclear energy development after the Three Mile Island accident was a big mistake. If nuclear power had been embraced earlier, we might have made better progress on reducing carbon emissions.
  2. There's a strong belief that we can still fully commit to nuclear energy now because the technology is safe and effective. The main barriers are complex regulations and legal challenges that make it hard to move forward.
  3. The panel recognized that achieving NetZero carbon emissions soon will be very difficult. It might be time for people with differing views on climate to collaborate and focus on making nuclear energy more widely used.

Suppression of Free Speech at MIT: "On Pacifism" and the Ban on Written Revolution

99 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Political Debate Higher education Censorship Activism
  1. MIT recently banned a student magazine for an article discussing the limitations of nonviolent protest, sparking a debate about free speech on campus.
  2. The situation highlights how expressing controversial or radical ideas can lead to disciplinary actions at universities.
  3. The case shows the challenges students face when trying to discuss extreme views and the balance between safety and free expression in academic settings.

65 Years “Two Cultures” – Time for a Celebration?

92 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Academia Science Humanities Knowledge Social Issues
  1. There's a divide between the humanities and STEM fields, which can lead to a lack of understanding and cooperation. This split has been growing over the years and is sometimes seen as a 'culture war.'
  2. Non-knowledgeable behaviors, like group think and over-emphasizing feelings, are affecting how knowledge is developed and shared. It's important to stick to processes that encourage truth and understanding.
  3. In academia, different cognitive traits can be found in STEM compared to the humanities. Recognizing these differences might help us understand the ongoing issues in knowledge creation and communication.

In Sanctioning Amy Wax, Penn Targets Truth

234 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Social justice Higher education Censorship
  1. There's a clash in universities between those who believe in objective truth and those who focus on social justice. This disagreement is affecting how knowledge is produced and shared.
  2. Universities are increasingly favoring identity-based policies over merit in admissions and hiring. This means some qualified candidates may be overlooked because of their race or background.
  3. The case of Amy Wax highlights the tensions of this debate. She faced sanctions for her views while other controversial opinions on campus seem to be ignored.

Entrepreneurship, entre nous

128 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Innovation Economics Intellectual Property Higher education
  1. Entrepreneurship is complex and can't be easily taught in schools. It's not just about making money; it involves creativity, risk-taking, and personal traits.
  2. Intellectual property rights are crucial for protecting new business ideas. Entrepreneurs need these rights to ensure their innovations are safe from theft.
  3. Current approaches to teaching entrepreneurship often mix social issues with business principles, which may confuse the true goals of innovation and success in the marketplace.

The Long Shadow of Nakba – Part 2

170 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Conflict Political Identity Debate
  1. The Nakba has affected scientific communities and education by promoting self-censorship and political influences, which can hinder rational debate and progress.
  2. The main issue for Palestinians in achieving statehood lies in their insistence on Israel losing its state, rather than just fighting for their own identity and rights.
  3. Many phrases related to the conflict carry different meanings than they seem to suggest, often masking deeper political agendas or historical inaccuracies.

Daft Spunk

206 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Gender Issues Public Policy Social Dynamics Cultural critique
  1. Many men are avoiding university because they feel outnumbered by women and see fewer opportunities for relationships. This trend reflects a change in the gender dynamics at schools.
  2. The university environment is increasingly seen as accommodating to women while being less appealing to men. This might lead men to pursue different paths for their careers.
  3. There are concerns about how the current educational focus on diversity and inclusion is affecting the overall representation of men in universities, possibly impacting future relationships and social dynamics.

Ideology-Based Investigations, Myths, and Blind Spots in Academia and Society

163 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Academia Conspiracy History Social justice
  1. Ideology-Based Investigations (IBIs) are studies that lack scientific rigor and often rely on philosophical beliefs instead. These can create a false sense of credibility, leading to flawed conclusions.
  2. The oppressor-oppressed binary is a concept widely used in academia that can skew research and findings. This way of thinking has influenced many institutions and projects, often prioritizing ideology over factual analysis.
  3. Many thinkers and writers may criticize authoritarianism but fail to see the biases and pitfalls within their own ideological views. It's important for everyone to recognize these blind spots to promote a more truthful and open society.

Harvard's double standard for Gay

1579 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Scandal Plagiarism Academic standards Freedom of Speech
  1. Harvard's president was accused of plagiarism but faced no consequences, leading to concerns about double standards.
  2. Students at Harvard face severe punishments for plagiarism, while the university seems to handle allegations against its president differently.
  3. The president's controversies have raised questions about the institution's values and reputation, affecting its students and donors.

A political manifesto for the first Post-Communist International

99 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Human Rights Liberal democracy Egalitarianism
  1. A manifesto proposes new ideas for creating a society without inequalities. It suggests that previous attempts to create equal societies didn't go far enough and need a clearer plan.
  2. The text emphasizes that traditional values and beliefs are being challenged and reshaped. It argues that modern ideas about rights and freedoms often contradict each other, creating confusion.
  3. Finally, it highlights the importance of intellectual influence in societal change. The manifesto believes that a well-organized group can push for revolutionary changes, even in societies that seem to resist them.

Introspection Before Any Possible Course Correction

291 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🚌 Education Higher Ed Freedom of Speech Public Trust
  1. Listening to the Congressional testimony on free speech exposed a lack of consistent application of concepts at universities.
  2. Public trust in higher education has significantly declined based on surveys due to real or perceived failures of universities.
  3. Universities facing public backlash have responded defensively rather than engaging in introspection, potentially leading to further erosion of trust.

Grievance Training

370 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy History Education
  1. Grievance training in American schools is presenting a one-sided and divisive narrative about land appropriation and cultural genocide.
  2. Teachers are asserting that U.S. lands were stolen from Native Americans, pushing for reparations or land return without room for questioning.
  3. The article argues against collective guilt narratives, emphasizing the importance of individual accountability and due process.

Leaving the AMS

362 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policies Organizations Social Issues
  1. DEI statements as a required component for job applications can have a corrosive effect on the math community.
  2. Compelled speech in DEI statements may lead to a population of conformists in math departments.
  3. The AMS's lack of investigation into compelled DEI statements raises concerns about the impact on the math community.

How STEM is Sleepwalking into Wokery

270 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🚌 Education STEM Academia Science Identity politics
  1. STEM education is facing challenges with the introduction of ideologies like 'Indigenous science', leading to a shift in traditional approaches.
  2. University environments are becoming increasingly focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion, which can sometimes lead to conflict with academic freedom and rational discourse.
  3. There is a concern among some STEM professors about the impact of ideological pressures on teaching quality, mental health, and innovation within academic environments.

The radical left has lost its moral compass

384 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Social Issues Ethics Cultural critique
  1. Postmodernism and nihilism have influenced academic institutions, leading to moral relativism and a shift away from open inquiry and tolerance.
  2. The push for 'anti-racism' has sometimes resulted in discriminatory practices, undermining merit-based systems and educational opportunities.
  3. A call to challenge and openly debate harmful ideologies that have infiltrated academic institutions and to reaffirm the importance of objective truth and moral clarity.

Imago DEI at Cornell University

199 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🚌 Education Free speech Critical Thinking
  1. The theme year for Freedom of Expression at Cornell University is controversial, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
  2. There is a concern about the prioritization of DEI over free speech, leading to a culture of fear and conformity on campus.
  3. Efforts are being made to bring in speakers who promote fearless, rational, and civil speech on campus, to counteract the perceived lack of free expression.

Two perspectives on the liberal arts and the humanities

199 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🚌 Education Liberal Arts Humanities Literature Philosophy Classics
  1. Liberal arts education in the US may serve different purposes for elites and non-elites, with disparities in expectations and outcomes.
  2. Humanities education is seen as vital for a well-rounded education and understanding fundamental human questions and experiences.
  3. Reading classic literature may play a role in shaping perspectives and values, potentially reducing susceptibility to certain societal trends like 'wokeness'.

When Academia Becomes a Bad Sitcom

227 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
🚌 Education Student activism
  1. The academia emergency meeting highlighted issues around personal relationships between staff and students.
  2. The meeting led to emotional responses and demands for trainings and policies to address power dynamics.
  3. The situation exemplifies how university bureaucracy can magnify personal issues into campus-wide dramas.