A review by seclement
Not a Scientist: How Politicians Mistake, Misrepresent, and Utterly Mangle Science by Dave Levitan

3.0

This book was okay, at least what there was of it. But there wasn't enough of it, nor enough substance. The book was essentially an explanation of the various types of tactics politicians use in trying to use - yet abuse - "science-y" concepts to their advantage. The premise is that old conservative political trick...the "I am not a scientist, but I am about to pretend to be one and to use scientific ignorance to my political advantage." Levitan picks apart fact more than the subtle subtext sitting under this premise, however. While I think it was interesting that Levitan decided to categorise the various type of deliberate tactics that politicians use, I thought this should have formed only the first part of a book on this topic, with the other half delving deeper into the hows and whys. As it stands, the book is a mere account of various incidents, many of which those of us who follow US politics will already be familiar. I feel this book is either preaching to the choir or informing the uninformed of the various incidents of scientific and political dishonesty on topics like vaccines, homosexuality, and climate change. It is obvious that the author isn't a scientist, but it's also obvious that he is left and he is passionate about science, so in this sense it's really just like reading a Guardian article or a post from within my echo chamber. I needed a lot more depth and breadth, both in terms of topic and underlying drivers, in order to get real benefit from this book. Overall, an interesting book on an important topic, but lacking in several key ways if it is to either have a wider impact or a role in helping science lovers better understand the world.