Politics, Religion, Science and Scientific Temper

Abstract

Spreading scientific temperament and communicating science to the public at large is a cultural and political undertaking. This article looks at a recent transition in Indian politics, the nexus between majoritarian religious leadership and political leadership, and its impact on science, science communication and scientific temper. 1 In the first section, the focus is on an unfolding three-pronged attack on science and scientific temper. First, those in power, including the Prime Minister of India, have publicly attacked established norms for distinguishing science from fiction. Second, the strengthening of the nexus between political leaders and ‘god-men’ has led to a blurring of the boundaries between religious and scientific discourses. Third, an effective cut to science and technology research expenditure has made the scientific community restless. The second section explores how religio-mythical culture affects scientific institutions. The third section shows how scientific output (scientific publications in reputable journals) has been affected in the recent past, when the political balance shifted in favour of blatant anti-science discourse.