What Might Happen If... - by Neenyah Ostrom (substack.com)

We asked GROQ chat, "What is the argument that epidemiology is not really science, but a form of politics?" Here is the answer it gave.

The argument that epidemiology is not really science, but a form of politics, is often made by critics who argue that the field is heavily influenced by political, social, and economic factors. Here are some of the key points made by those who argue that epidemiology is not a true science, but rather a form of politics:

1. Funding influences research: Critics argue that funding agencies, governments, and special interest groups often influence the direction of epidemiological research, leading to the suppression or manipulation of data to support a particular policy or agenda. 2. Political agendas drive research priorities: Some argue that research priorities are driven by political agendas, such as the desire to justify or oppose specific policies, rather than being driven by scientific curiosity or a genuine desire to understand the underlying causes of disease. 3. Epidemiology is used to justify policy: Critics argue that epidemiological research is often used to justify or oppose specific policies, such as gun control, climate change mitigation, or vaccination mandates, rather than being driven by a genuine desire to understand the underlying causes of disease. 4. Epidemiology is used to manipulate public opinion: Some argue that epidemiological research is used to manipulate public opinion, often by presenting incomplete or misleading information, to support a particular policy or agenda. 5. Epidemiology is used to silence dissenting voices: Critics argue that epidemiological research is used to silence dissenting voices, often by labeling opposing views as "anti-science" or "misinformed," rather than engaging in a genuine scientific debate. 6. Epidemiology is used to justify government overreach: Some argue that epidemiological research is used to justify government overreach, often by presenting exaggerated or misleading information about the risks of certain behaviors or activities, in order to justify increased government regulation or control. 7. Epidemiology is used to promote a particular ideology: Critics argue that epidemiological research is often used to promote a particular ideology, such as the idea that government intervention is necessary to protect public health, rather than being driven by a genuine desire to understand the underlying causes of disease.