Do you think that the lack of science in Parliament is a lack of love of the truth?

[Johnysid]

See
http://pol-check.blog...ce-in-parliament.html

Is this due to lack of love and respect for truth? Should government be a game of social advantage between barristers and teachers?

[rojash]

No. I think it reflects that fact that scientists feel they have more important and interesting things to do than participate in the childish name-calling which is what most of politics seems to be about.

[Johnysid]

Rojash, although I echo your despair it is interesting that even though there are 27 science trained MPs none of these are in government.

There seems to be an active discrimination against science trained people by the barristers, solicitors, PR men, trade unionists and teachers who form the bulk of our "representatives". As it says in the link above, science trained people seem to be 7 times less likely to get to Parliament and, even having got there and demonstrated their interest, they are seven times less likely to have a ministerial post.

[FredPuli43]

I suspect, from seeing prospective Conservative candidates, that they are 7 times less likely to apply to be candidates, too. Don't think that they are 7 times less likely to be chosen, though that might be true; the Tory party doesn't necessarily discriminate against scientists in choosing the 'A List', of candidates but the local parties tends to have their own stereotypical image of what their candidate should be like. And those who plan a career in politics are likely to have PPE or some similar degree, and be barristers ;a convenient career because it's self-employed, and time away from practice is easily arranged; or some other occupation which involves speaking in public and persuading with duff arguments !

[Johnysid]

It is important to remember that people with science degrees are "science trained" rather than scientists. The charming salesman may have a BSc in biology and may wish to be selected as an MP but he/she will make the fatal mistake of trying to use real evidence in support of arguments. What social group would support such a clever dick?

[boxtops]

Probably quite a few, johny - I must admit that when our MPs stand for election, I don't look at their academic qualifications, more at what they have done for the local community. Practical engagement is more useful than a theoretical background in terms of charming the electorate.