"What may be the most important worlds I have spoken" – this is how famed astrophysicist Neil Degrasse Tyson described the contents of a recently posted video on Facebook, in which he passionately implored Americans to ponder on how science is viewed these days.
"In this, the 21st century, when it comes time to make decisions about science, it seems that people have lost the ability to judge what is true and what is not," he says in the video. "Science is a fundamental part of the country that we are."
‘Science in America’
Tyson acknowledged that there will always be issues facing a nation but argued that science allows for truth, and denying it will greatly delay whatever political solution leaders will come up with.
In the video, the educator reminisced about America’s history, saying that the nation pioneered industries, and praised the discoveries Americans made. However, something has been changing in the way people see science, especially when it comes to making decisions.
"The Scientific Method does it better than anything else we have ever done as human beings," he explained. Tyson emphasized the credibility of coming up with a hypothesis, which then leads to experiments of various kinds. He described both processes as integral ingredients of the scientific method and how it will result in knowledge and better understanding.
Tyson let loose on politicians denying science
In a time where the president himself, Donald Trump, and EPA director Scott Pruitt have both denied climate change, the astrophysicist’s video reflects fears some Americans have.
He then reiterated that science is truth, whether or not one chooses to believe in it.
The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 6, 2012
Looking directly at the camera, the scientist told viewers that most people have become clueless in their discernment of truth.
Case in point – American politicians. The blatant declaration is followed by a clip of then-congressman Mike Pence saying that evolution should be taught as theory and not as fact.
Tyson partnered with Redglass Pictures to make “Science in America” and asked people to educate themselves on science, not only to get a better understanding but also to make themselves more educated voters.
The video points to climate change deniers and other scientific issues that have become highly controversial, including GMO, the anti-vaccination campaign, and individuals questioning evolution. It has already amassed over 24 million views as of this writing.
