Why aren't there more people with a scientific background in politics?

Answer 1

We have a ratio of 15% Politicians with a scientific background in Germany, I think that's a pretty good ratio if you compare it with how many people and how many scientists we have. And if you look at all the people behind the politicians, that really know what's going on and inform their politicians it's even more :-)
The sad thing though is that lawyers outnumber scientists by far (more than 30%)

That's why I wouldn't choose politics over a real scientists job :-)

Answer 2

Politics is about power ebbing and flowing between groups of people. It depends largely upon deciet.
Science is largely engaged in the same sort of deciet and is therefore dependant upon the same skill set.
Therefore many scientist are very comfortable in the Political setting. One example is of course ex president Jimmy Carter.
Most political people believe that their profession is the most honorable profession. Most scientist believe theirs is the most honorable profession. I have run in both groups---in a very minor way-- for many years and can tell you first hand that politics is most useful when a person can convince a large number of people that a certian political therory is the "best". And the same is true of Science. To be effective one must convience others that their "beliefs" (theories) are the correct beliefs. And then control the damage.

Answer 3

It most likely a matter of interest. Politics and Science are very different. Politics is focused very much on relationships between people and political power. Science is focused more on things and how they work. It is very unlikely that a person would hold both of these types of interests at the same time.

Answer 4

Politicians believe (or have to act like they believe) that they have all the answers to the voters problems.

Scientists know better. As soon as a candidate starts to answer a question with a qualifier like "Well, it depends on the situation..."
he/she is labeled by the opposition as weak, non-committal, and a waffler.

If you will notice, a lot of politicians who come from a science background are doctors like Senator Frist. But then a lot of doctors already have a god complex, so they fit right in.

Answer 5

It is most likely, because the right side of the human brain impacts creativity, politics, music and the arts, while the left part deals with logic, sciences, math etc. Consequently scientists who use the left part more often tend to be poor politicians.

Answer 6

Well, perhaps, because there is not much room for science in politics, but there is a lot of room for politics in science.
If there is a scientist, who also wants to be a politician, he can successfully do it in his own scientific field

Answer 7

Scientists are smart enough to stay away from politics. Besides, our strengths are in problem-solving, something that politicians never seem to do. There's no call for our particular skill set in politics.

Answer 8

politics is also a science that deals with the society,it should not be studied it must come out naturally from the politics how they serve the people logically!But we the people must work han and hand to survive our political crisis!

Answer 9

Politics currupts neutral thinkers. Politics is a cut-throat, conniving world of lobbiest, liberals, conservatives, and very difficult people of which if I were a scientist, I'de go to them only if I had to.

Answer 10

because their smart and go to work for places that they can actually make a difference and improve the world that way instead of having to deal with the political world