The Disturbing Rise of "Soft" Censorship in Scientific Research
Originally Published 2 years ago — by PsyPost
A group of 38 coauthors published a Perspective piece in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), highlighting the growing trend of "soft" censorship in scientific research. They distinguish between "hard" censorship, involving direct actions to prevent the dissemination of ideas, and "soft" censorship, which includes social pressures that indirectly hinder the spread of certain scientific ideas. The authors argue that while overt government censorship of science is rare in liberal democracies, more subtle forms of censorship, often perpetuated by scientists themselves, pose a significant threat to scientific openness. They discuss the psychology behind censorship, including self-protection, benevolence towards peers, and prosocial concerns. The authors advocate for a more balanced approach to handling controversial or sensitive scientific findings, emphasizing the need for clearer guidelines and ethical frameworks within the scientific community.