Feb 14 • 04:30 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

A Race Between Two Turtles

The article discusses how the rapid advancement of technology outpaces the slow adaptation of democracy and political thought, likening it to a race between two turtles.

In the article, Ignacio Sánchez-Cuenca argues that the declining trust in democracy is largely due to its slow pace in adapting to the rapid advancements brought on by science and technology. He compares this slow adaptation to the tortoise in the famous race against Achilles, emphasizing that while technology evolves quickly, the foundational research that enables this progress lags significantly behind. This presents a problem for democratic systems, which struggle to keep up with the demands and changes of a fast-evolving society.

Sánchez-Cuenca provides examples to support his point, noting how mobile phones have integrated into our daily lives in just a couple of decades. However, he highlights that the scientific principles and foundational research that propel such technology are often neglected and poorly funded, causing a disconnect between innovation and its governance. This mismatch creates a scenario where democratic processes, anchored in slower political thought, cannot effectively respond to the rapid pace of modern advancements.

Ultimately, the article concludes that both democracy and scientific progress are hindered by their own inertia. The metaphor of the race between two turtles captures the essence of this predicament—the race may never reach a conclusion, as both realms of thought and development struggle to keep pace with each other. Therefore, a more robust commitment to research and governance adaptation is essential for a harmonious coexistence with the rapid scientific advancements of today.

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