Question

The focus of this discussion is the role politics plays currently in science-related decisions and what role and level should play in such decisions. Instructions Answer the following questions in your original post:

 1. Do you think politics should play a role in determining how scientific findings are applied to society?

 2. Does and should science affect political decision making? Provide 2 examples that illustrate your opinion on this matter. 

Provide a minimum of 3 references for where you obtained your information.

Answer 1

1. Politics must act as a facilitator for the scientific findings. R&D has the potential to develop revolutionary ideas and products which can facilitate the growth, development and sustenance of overall society. Science helps in analyzing the past, present and future and come up with products and strategies which can facilitate life and improve its overall existence. In such a scenario, the government must encourage the adoption of science and must encourage investments to incorporate science and R&D in every facet of life.

2. Science facilitates the decision making of government and politics. Let’s understand this with the following real life examples:

• Government and political bodies study demographics of the region using Big Data and Data Analytics and come up with policies for their benefit and for facilitating their overall development
• Government uses surveillance tracking, drones as well as other defense equipments to maintain the safety of the country and to keep a check on any kind of intrusion and terrorist attack

Reference:

• Decision making: Theory and practice by Turpin and Marais
• Towards More “Evidence-Informed” Policy Making by Brian W. Head
• Use of Evidence to Drive Decision-Making in Government by Mathematica Institute