Stepping away from a civic science

It's hard to know whether pity, derision or even mild annoyance is the most appropriate response to Tanaiste Mary Coughlan's recent gaffe, when she confused Albert Einstein with Charles Darwin.

Anyone can make a slip of the tongue - presuming that that is indeed what occurred. One strongly suspects, however, that the minister responsible for our science-powered drive to economic utopia, otherwise known as the smart economy, isn't overly acquainted with the work of either scientist. At an individual level that hardly matters. At a societal level, it matters greatly - as Chris Mooney & Sheril Kirshenbaum argue in the snappily titled 'Unscientific America'.

Their work represents a plea to include science in America's common culture. Back in 2003, Mary Harney delivered a similar message, when she occupied the post that Coughlan does now. It is arguably the most interesting speech on science & technology ever made by an Irish politician. (Which isn't saying an awful lot - they're usually pretty dreary.)

In 'Towards a Civic Science: A Mission for the 21st Century', an address to the Royal Irish Academy, Harney called for the creation of a 'civic science', that is, "a science engaged with and invited into the national dialogue"; one that is "responsive to the public and worthy of the public trust"; and one that is "embraced and valued by students, educators, industry and communities and, yes, the government".

It's early days yet, of course. But it's safe to say that that particular mission has yet to be accomplished.