Good points made here about hard scientists in politics.
The problem of experts in the hard sciences in policy making.
No doubt that science should be properly used in policy making, but how should scientists participate in policy making?
http://spectator.org/print/57959
Angelo Codevilla wrote eloquently about the problem some time ago.
http://spectator.org/articles/41862/scientific-pretense-vs-democracy
First – the term science must be defined . . it is surely not determined by holding a vote on a simple statement and if 50% plus one vote for the Statement it is now a factoid by reason of a consensus of scientists [which we did not define what is a scientist – Political, Social, Language, gender study and other such NEW WORLD labeling].
What was really created was a OPINION without facts. For a Hypothesis to advance to peer review it must have facts supporting and must included the materials, math, research, methods used so that reviewing scientist can attempt to recreate to disprove the hypothesis or to issue a SCIENTIFIC PROOF.
It is done this way –
http://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/scientific-experiments/…
http://www.scientificpsychic.com/workbook/scientific-method.htm
Objectivity and a self-humbling regard for uncertainty. That would be a switch. Are there any junk scientists – other than the obvious Michael Mann – that are suggestive of the antithesis?
Fuzzy line to be exploited between what is and what to do. Not even I would want the hopeless challenge of stopping climate change to be undertaken by burning witches. The problem is, the scientist can very much be a witch doctor at the same time. Power is one corruptive influence. Money another. The ego of wanting to be able to be trusted is yet another and the “gateway drug” for most.
“… how should scientists participate in policy making?”
They should inform objectively and clearly communicate uncertainty.
Help them have real power – this will take the 13,000 lobbyist and issue them PINK slips – no money and no power left in DC.
http://articlevprojecttorestoreliberty.com/article-v—group-overview-and-proposal.html
http://articlevprojecttorestoreliberty.com/the-28th-amendment.html