M R. X. Dentith
@mrxdentith.com
5K followers 1.5K following 6.8K posts
Philosopher of conspiracy theory theory. Editor (but not the) of “Social Epistemology” & the “Journal of Contemporary Chinese Philosophy” they/them Website: www.mrxdentith.com Podcast: zencastr.com/The-Podcaster-s-Guide-…
![I’m afraid I’m with iwi on this; Pākehā writing on Te Ao Māori issues have to be incredibly cautious. After you, write—somewhat uncritically—“[w]hen cultural beliefs are given parity with science” without talking about how Western scientific paradigms are themselves an example of a cultural belief. This is very well discussed in both the philosophy and sociology of science, and whether or not we think science as a methodology is more truth-seeking or truth-conducive (it depends on your views on scientific realism or anti-realism, along with commitments to what the purpose of science is; either a descriptive or normative system), it is still enmeshed in culture and politics as a practice. Thus, I think when you conclude with cultural beliefs ‘jeopardiz[ing] public trust in scientific institutions and can foster misinformation’ you are playing right into a fairly right-wing, reactionary view that uses Western scientific practices as a cudgel. Indeed, it doesn’t help that you published this piece at the Skeptic website; I would be very wary to associate anything good with Michael Shermer at this time (leaving aside the credible claims of his inappropriate behaviour towards young women at conferences, his turn towards heterodoxy and his worries about ‘wokeness’ make him and his magazine a very suspicious venue at this time).](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:zd6mbzp424znunufvyp5pfeb/bafkreial2vdyrlmxn5rbgomhhujp5zdtwsp4iqajz6oboe5idwampl5naq)
![They [Callaghan Innovation] have been helping coordinate the event. Yes, they have helped shape some of the problem statements they hope participants will tackle.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:zd6mbzp424znunufvyp5pfeb/bafkreia5bnfilhsdfoh45qe3iet3rtyxdpdeh2c63va4nrftbeqbj3mjcy)
![We are in the process of initiating a print complimentary copy of your book titled, [REDACTED]. As per the head contract, you are entitled to choose either a print copy or an electronic copy, free of charge.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:zd6mbzp424znunufvyp5pfeb/bafkreide6cmmtrdnc5jw7ztrz4z2km5u4lanhfjivghfkjldph6qs74tg4)
