Thursday, April 02, 2015

Looking for the science vote

Very interesting to see in Nature the changes in British readers’ voting intentions from 2010 to the forthcoming UK election in May. In a nutshell: once a Tory, always a Tory but there’s a big leaching from the middle/left parties to “Don’t know”, plus a substantial boost to the Greens from the same source. I don’t know how representative this of the population as a whole, but it unsettles me to see such a big uncommitted block, and this is why.

I fully support Jenny Rohn and Stephen Curry’s initiative to get science firmly on the political agenda (Science is Vital), but I’m concerned that it not become a call to vote simply on the basis of who you think will do the best job for science (which I'm sure is not Jenny and Stephen's intention). I have heard that kind of single-issue politics already from one or two prominent voices of science, and it troubles me deeply. While obviously wanting everyone to vote the way I do (and accepting that some will think I’m deluded in that choice), I feel that voters ought ideally be making up their minds in the basis of which party will try to create the fairest, most tolerant, egalitarian, responsible and healthy society, and not simply which party is going to perform best on a single issue – even one as important as science. If I felt that the party closest to my political sympathies was failing to do enough for science, I would lobby them to do better, and not switch allegiances on those grounds alone. After all, none of the major parties is likely to deny the importance of science, even if they won’t all back up their words with actions to the same degree. And without wishing to sound too melodramatic, it was by telling themselves that they were doing what was "best for German science" that many German scientists were able to salve their consciences during the Nazi regime.

6 comments:

Patricia R. Cole said...

While writing executive summary graphics, blocks or bullets should be used to skim it easily. It isn’t essay so there should be no long paragraphs in it. There should be no any single mistake of spelling or grammar.site

Unknown said...

The election system in the world is totally changed. You can cast your vote with your own choice. There is the complete society in the world searching for the pattern to make the world ever green. For best ats resume sample you can make your own paper and use the idea present in your mind.

Thomas Venney said...

Turn into a voice over artist out of the convenience of your house working on online. Listed here is all of the factors that you want to think about before you begin. voicemail messages for businesses will give you a new experience to grow your business.

Anonymous said...

The scientists know about nature so well and you write so well. The person who wants to become a scientist should know about the nature of the science because audio conversion service is the best for all. You know how much this article took my interest and this is so lovely information.

William N. Balderrama said...

Thanks for sharing awesome article.

William N. Balderrama said...

Science is the study of the nature and behaviour of natural things and the knowledge that we obtain about them. The best discoveries in science are very simple and check our helpful services resume checker free. This is so informative article about science vote. This article should helpful every science contested and students.