In a  talk in New York, Abba Eban, then foreign minister of Israel, commented on a feature of the crisis in West Asia — its  ease of solution. Two groups claimed the same piece of real estate. Was it beyond human capability to devise a solution for the amicable coexistence of two states side by side?

But such a commonsense approach is unusual. Most political and social issues are clouded by extraneous, irrelevant considerations or sterile historical debates. The consequences are usually lethal. We are no strangers to these reflexes in India. Illiteracy, poverty, religious illusions, and recent power ploys due to vote banks make the task of dealing with even minor social issues particularly onerous.

A possible ray of hope emerged, three centuries ago, with the systematic application of the methods of science and especially rational discussion to complex social issues. The new urgency of this approach is underscored by the possibility that neglecting them has the potential to lead to a general extinction of the species.

The issues

In environmental terms, the species has to deal with climate change, the disappearance of vast forests and irreplaceable species. The oceans are changing, and not  for the better. Fresh water for an increasing  population is diminishing, and drought and pollution make conflicts inevitable. Studies on population growth and its effects are urgent. Renewable energy research is essential.

In medical research, the issues include global diseases, pandemics and the emergence  of new drug-resistant bacteria and viruses. Bio-ethics, the benefits of stem cell research and the genome are also likely to figure vitally as components of this effort. Extending inexpensive medical facilities to more people, the cost of generic drugs and undue profits need discussion.

Finally, it is now clear that space exploration and guarantees of the scientific integrity of governments and policies to minimise the risks of war are of vital concern to scientists globally.
In general terms, the urgency of science and energy policies, and the effects of rapid innovation and its impact on economic growth call for extensive debate.

Policy making will inevitably depend, more and  more, on accurate scientific and technical information. Thus, in order to be a successful world leader today, or even a local ward boss, politicians must have an effective means of accessing and applying the latest science.

Judicious choices will release entrepreneurial initiatives in industry. It will instigate an appreciation of science in the general public, if the teaching of science to children is improved.

For us, in India, where political discourse is beset by religious, parochial considerations, prejudice, ignorance and outdated caste vendettas, backed by scapegoating and a general confusion of prescientific superstition, such debates are of real importance. The prestige of the rational approach can become a vital tool of national renewal.
Such  considerations, as well as the imperfect realisation that research and innovation are vital components of measures to reduce poverty and increase the well-being of our people, have led to some unorganised discussion, mostly by individuals with personal agendas.

ScienceDebate2008

In the USA, on the other hand, the present erosion of their credible national policies and the challenges of other economies have led to an important initiative by a group called ‘ScienceDebate2008’, comprising scientists, presidents of universities, leaders of industry and elected representatives who have supported a call to the current Presidential candidates to participate in many debates on choices in science and technology, and answer questions about policies on the environment, medicine, health, science and education. This admirable initiative deserves to be emulated in India.

In India, political leaders need access to the best scientific information, and extensive debate to ensure a rational approach. The claims of “Islamic Science”, and “Vedic Science” invite critical analysis. Solutions to the energy shortage by harnessing “djinns” have been made by senior directors of the nuclear establishment in a neighbouring country, and similar amusing suggestions are sometimes reported in our own press.
In conclusion, the need for a widespread national debate on the most important social issue of the day — bringing the benefits of a rational scientific approach to our people, is urgent.