Eric S. Raymond Alleges "Neo-Lysenkoist Travesty" in Climate Science, Warns Against Politicized Expertise

In a recent social media post, prominent open-source software advocate and author Eric S. Raymond issued a stark warning regarding the integrity of scientific discourse, particularly in fields he perceives as politically charged. Raymond asserted that "climate science" has become an "utter neo-Lysenkoist travesty," drawing a parallel to the Soviet-era suppression of genetics for political ends. His tweet, dated September 1, 2025, outlined a framework for discerning trustworthy scientific claims from those he believes are manipulated to justify political power.

Raymond's critique centers on the idea that when scientific pronouncements serve as a rationale for political action, they are likely to be compromised. > "Anytime you hear scientists and experts saying something that operates as a rationale for politicians to Do Something, the way to bet is that you're being scammed," he stated. Conversely, he suggested that "politically neutral science is almost never corrupted by anything worse than petty careerism." This perspective stems from his observations, which he claims were solidified during public discourse surrounding COVID-19 and earlier debates on firearms policy.

The term "Lysenkoism" refers to the pseudoscientific doctrines of Trofim Lysenko, which dominated Soviet biology from the 1930s to the 1960s with the backing of Joseph Stalin. Lysenko rejected Mendelian genetics in favor of Lamarckian inheritance, leading to the persecution of legitimate scientists and severe agricultural setbacks. The historical parallel implies a concern that scientific inquiry is being subverted by ideological or political agendas, leading to a distortion of facts.

Raymond argues that the "corruption of science has a purpose," specifically "to provide rationalizations for the assertion of political power." He indicated that some, including himself, recognized this pattern decades ago through "contemplating the 'scientific' literature on firearms policy," but that the "lies and gaslighting around COVID" brought this issue to broader public awareness. His strong assertion regarding climate science suggests a belief that it is similarly being co-opted to support specific political interventions.

The controversial nature of Raymond's statements underscores ongoing debates about the intersection of science, policy, and public trust. His views resonate with a segment of the population wary of scientific consensus when it aligns with governmental initiatives, particularly concerning environmental regulations or public health measures. The comparison to Lysenkoism, a historical example of state-imposed scientific falsehoods, serves to intensify his warning about potential abuses of scientific authority.