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"Most politicians are honest about not knowing enough science & rely on experts." [Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-03706-y]

As someone writing a dissertation on where policymakers seek out information related to #science policy, I wholeheartedly disagree.

Scientists & other experts are not a top source for information. They're not even a 2nd or 3rd source. #politics


‘Politicians don’t understand science’: advisers give evidence at UK COVID inquiry

Patrick Vallance, Chris Witty and others reflect on advising the UK government during the ongoing investigation into the country’s pandemic response.
Sanderson, Katharine
#politics #science
in reply to Sheril Kirshenbaum

Rev. GothAlice
Rev. GothAlice
• •

This is why I'm a fan of direct, delegative democracy. I can't trust a single, specific individual, who was appointed to a position of legislative authority through populism to know jack ████ about information security, medical emergencies, hell; how to dig a ditch. (Guaranteed none would qualify without additional safety training.)

I'd like to a) be able to vote on specific issues, and b) appoint someone I trust to proxy as an expert on specific domains. E.g. Bruce Schneier on infosec.

in reply to Sheril Kirshenbaum

Lady Thistle
Lady Thistle
• •
Unfortunately, I have come to believe that most politicians are not very intuitive. They are good at spinning a topic to suit their own purposes. Why don’t we have a leading Science Secretary in the Presidential Cabinet?
in reply to Sheril Kirshenbaum

Jen
Jen
• •
Have you read The Geek Manifesto?? I used to assign it in my research class!!

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