D Marvin Harris’ criticisms
1. Harris interprets the unity of theory and practice too narrowly. From the Marxist standpoint, meteorologists need not produce tornadoes, hurricanes and thunderstorms, but they should be able to advise people about the means of protecting themselves from tornadoes, etc.
The dangers of politicizing science are real, although there are also dangers associated with “neutral” science. Science separated from practice does tend to become merely a tool of the currently prevailing ruling class. For example, if higher education tries to remain “neutral” with respect to changing society, does it not thereby serve to preserve the status quo? Is it possible to be really neural? Marxists do not think so.
