"Government is not a science" - Nick Clegg today.

[greenilex]

What does this remark reveal about Clegg's attitude to a) government and b) science?

[MrGongGong]

Or even grammar ?

[LeMartinPecheur]

Why should this statement be seen as anything other than a truism? Much of government has to do with value-judgments, the precise antithesis of scientific judgments. The opposite, but not thereby the inferior. The besetting sin of modern times is to think that if an issue can't be reduced to True/False scientific arguments and scientific measurement , it's unimportant.

[teamsaint]

government by the current administration seems to have concentrate solely on more money and power in the hands of the already powerful and wealthy.

Not sure if its science or art, bu they are very good at it.

now, where did leave that 50k for the new university fees scheme?

[amateur51]

Why should this statement be seen as anything other than a truism? Much of government has to do with value-judgments, the precise antithesis of scientific judgments. The opposite, but not thereby the inferior. The besetting sin of modern times is to think that if an issue can't be reduced to True/False scientific arguments and scientific measurement , it's unimportant.

Quite right.

Choosing the flavour of ice cream in your cornet is a matter of great import and nowt to do with science!

[LeMartinPecheur]

Choosing the flavour of ice cream in your cornet is a matter of great import and nowt to do with science!

De gustibus etc - an extremely important perception. Though not of course true - arguments about values go on and on, are never won, but we keep returning to them - that's why we all belong to this message-board, isn't it?

I COULDN'T RESPECT ANYONE WHO BELIEVES ITALIAN BAROQUE TRIO SONATAS AND CONCERTI GROSSI ARE REAL MUSIC

[rauschwerk]

"Politics is the art of the possible" (Bismarck).

That said, one would hope that this art allows rational debate and decision making, both of which are in short supply in contemporary British politics.

[MrGongGong]

"Politics is the art of the possible" (Bismarck).

.

Which is usually used as a lame excuse for going back on your promises
every time someone in politics utters this (a bit like ENC and new music) my heart sinks as its usually the prelude to dishonesty ..........

"we promised free for all , and thats what we were elected to do BUT we think that that's not possible so we are going to declare war on Belgium instead "

[aeolium]

Which is usually used as a lame excuse for going back on your promises
every time someone in politics utters this (a bit like ENC and new music) my heart sinks as its usually the prelude to dishonesty ..........

Another tell-tale phrase is "We must accept the world as it is" or "living in the real world", as if acting ethically or justly is an impossibility in the "real" world.

[greenilex]

In my view the word "science" refers to a branch of knowledge. NC appears to be denying that anything can be known about how to govern - and this in spite of at least two millennia's worth of writings on the subject by philosophers and statesmen.

He doesn't know how to govern - doesn't mean it's unknowable...

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

well it ought as far as possible to be evidence based and the dear ol' BBC has produced some excellent graphics from which even non scientists might get the drift .... we're broke ...

oh and yeh, the evidence is that NC has failed his leadership responsibilities and should offer his goodbye slip .....

[french frank]

In my view the word "science" refers to a branch of knowledge. NC appears to be denying that anything can be known about how to govern - and this in spite of at least two millennia's worth of writings on the subject by philosophers and statesmen.

He doesn't know how to govern - doesn't mean it's unknowable...

I don't think he's referring to anything as general as that. The uncomfortable fact is that no one knows whether a go-slow on cuts would, in the long run, be more or less damaging to the economy than the immediate cutbacks. Both are gambles and because taking one course precludes taking the other there will never be any way to tell whether success or failure was down to luck or judgement.

Politicians take risks. Even when they write their manifestos they have to either opt for a particular course (and risk being pilloried for 'breaking promises') - or say nothing at all, prevaricate. Those who win the election have to take the decisions, those who lose only have to oppose them - and they have the advantage that the public will immediately be on their side!

[Flosshilde]

Another tell-tale phrase is "We must accept the world as it is" or "living in the real world",

Which leads one to wonder what world they were living in when they wrote their manifesto.

[Flosshilde]

"Politics is the art of the possible" (Bismarck).

Bismarck also said "Politics is not an exact science". Perhaps it was this Cleggy was thinking of?

[greenilex]

In any case, politics is not government. Good governance is not just a matter of making wild choices with a pin and hoping for the best. So-called "common-sense" is really based on experience and study of past mistakes.

He seems to me to be a young(ish) charmer who really hasn't got the background he requires for the job. Call-me Dave makes a better shot at hiding his ignorance. Neither compares with Gordon, who genuinely knew what he was talking about even if he didn't like making difficult decisions.