-
Asked by Joe to Matthew on 10 Nov 2014.
Question: What sparked your interest in maths and politics?
- Keywords:
-
Matthew Camilleri answered on 10 Nov 2014:
This is a great question, and the first thing to note is that maths and politics are two drastically separate things.
My interest in Maths could be seen at a very young age. I was always fascinated by numbers, and the possibilities of what one can do with them. At the end of the day it can be said that Maths is the language of Science. For some reason I could always work my way with numbers, solving equations and seeing a pattern in nearly everything around me.
When it comes to politics all you need for inspiration is to actually switch on the news. I want to make a difference to my people, and then, that difference can be propagated to other countries. When you look at politicians they are always careful to use the right words, to make the right statements in order to not to hurt anybody’s feelings, but they are all afraid to say the truth, what they really think. This was the main inspiration for me to join a political group a few years ago, where I was able to express myself. I found it liberating, and although not everyone agreed with my opinions, I think it is going to be very important in the future to have politicians who are not afraid to speak their mind.
Comments
Joe commented on :
Do politics ever affect your Science?
Matthew commented on :
It is more of a matter of my science effecting my politics. I am a student at the centre for sustainable chemical technologies, and therefore my political ideas tend to be aimed towards sustainability.
In real life science should trump politics; science is a fact based subject while politics is full of opinions, so people in politics can be wrong, anything that is published in science, although it can sometimes, but rarely be wrong, is a fact.
Joe commented on :
Sorry for all these questions, but since they’re all related, it makes sense for me to string them like this. Do you feel that politicians will ever come to a point where they are to afraid to stand out? Would you spend the money in speaking politically/campaigning for sustainable chemical technologies?
Matthew commented on :
I love answering intelligent questions, and these definitely fall under that category, so feel free to ask as many questions as you like.
I do not think we have to wait for the future, politicians are already afraid to stand out, they are afraid to go against the current and raise their own voice, they only do so when they know that what they are going to say is what the people want to hear.
I have already done some public engagement with regards to sustainable chemical technologies, and I am currently planning a series of you tube video + pub talks with regards to this subject with some of my peers. It takes a lot of time, and unfortunately there is a lot of wrong information on the internet.
Joe commented on :
I feel exactly the same way, obviously politics can be touchy, so I’ll be careful about what I ask. But I think a series of Youtube videos are a great idea, as not only would these be good for people interested in the topic, but STEM groups and schools could use them as well. As I may have mentioned, would you consider contacting a TV channel, where more people would be able to view them? Channel 4 have had some interesting science shows from documentaries to home experiments and would probably be more than willing to see what you have to offer!
Matthew commented on :
The you tube videos are going to be a combined effort between me and a group of friends who would like to discuss policies and share our ideas to everyone. There will be videos that are targeted at students, and others at adults, so yes, these can be used for STEM groups and schools.
With regards to taking part in a science show it will be very difficult due to time constraints but yes, if the time and day comes that I am available to do something of the sort, like an episode about my work, or help out in any means I can I would gladly take the opportunity.