r/IntellectualDarkWeb • u/ConquestAce • 16d ago

Is defunding science and math education and research to address immediate social needs a pragmatic solution for today's crises or a dangerous compromise of humanity's future capacity to innovate and adapt?

Recently proposals to reduce public funding for science and math education, research, and innovation have been made, in the guise that these research fields are "DEI". We can argue that reallocating resources to immediate social programs (e.g., healthcare, poverty relief) addresses urgent human needs, while underinvesting in STEM jeopardizes long-term societal progress, technological sovereignty, and global competitiveness.

Is prioritizing short-term social investments over foundational scientific and mathematical inquiry a pragmatic strategy for addressing today’s crises, or a shortsighted gamble that undermines humanity’s capacity to solve future challenges? Obviously, deferring support for STEM disproportionately disadvantage future generations, but is it a moral imperative to prioritize present-day welfare? How might this decision shape a nation’s ability to tackle emerging threats like climate change, pandemics, or other stuff?

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u/Sea_Procedure_6293 16d ago

I’d argue that teaching young people how to think critically is more important than STEM. Every young guy you meet has the vocabulary of a chimp and the curiosity of a cardboard box.

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u/NobodyFew9568 16d ago

I'd argue that learning stem subjects is learning to think critically. You need something concrete. Critical thinking doesn't just emerge spontaneously.

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u/Sea_Procedure_6293 16d ago

Well we’ve been focused on STEM for the last 20-30 years and everyone is very very dumb!!?!?!!

Dumber, fatter, and poorer!

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u/NobodyFew9568 16d ago

We absolutely have not. Not in the math and sciences anyway. Kids don't know 8x9 in high school.

I've had juniors that can't name all the planets.

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u/followyourvalues 16d ago

Did they stop teaching about the many very excited men (who) jump straight up near pluto?!