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Scientists Are Planning to Run for Office

theatlantic.com

1–10 of 190 posts

Re: Scientists Are Planning to Run for Office

#7
post #6

The article doesn't mention the word "technocrat" but the wiki seems relevant even if the scientists only have modest goals of participating in government rather than grand ambitions of controlling the government from the top down. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technocracy

Most of the "technocrats" at least the American versions of it come from "Soft" Sciences. e.g: Elizabeth Warren, Samantha Powers.

I welcome technocrats from hard-sciences and engineering.

Re: Scientists Are Planning to Run for Office

#8
post #7
post #6

The article doesn't mention the word "technocrat" but the wiki seems relevant even if the scientists only have modest goals of participating in government rather than grand ambitions of controlling the government from the top down. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technocracy

Most of the "technocrats" at least the American versions of it come from "Soft" Sciences. e.g: Elizabeth Warren, Samantha Powers. I welcome technocrats from hard-sciences and engineering.

Elizabeth Warren is not a technocrat IMO. Studying Law does not give you any background in science or engineering. It does make you very good at making arguments in support of arbitrary things and bullshitting, but I'm not sure that's something we should encourage in politicians.

Re: Scientists Are Planning to Run for Office

#9
post #2

Great! I get the appeal of non-career politicians voted into office, but I'd much rather take reasonable, well-educated scientists than the opposite.

Great? Angela Merkel, Maragaret Thatcher, Frauke Petry. Whatever your political persuasion there is, i'm sure at least one of those you would not describe as 'great'

Re: Scientists Are Planning to Run for Office

#10
With ever-more-complicated technical marketplaces into which legislation pokes its head, the need for technical guidance for this legislation arises. Here in the US at least, lobbyists (usually funded by trade groups) are able to fill that role and in some cases might be a net benefit.

What I want to know is -- is there a market for a "constituent pro-bono consultant"? I don't want to become a career politician (not even part-time), but I would be willing to consult with legislators on technical matters without compensation. I won't buy my representatives lunch or even coffee, but I'd be willing to try and be a balance against the trade groups for the sake of the people.

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