Discussing science, a grown-up's game

Although science advances our knowledge of our universe, it is still perceived as a specialist's business, and the general public finds it hard to take an interest in scientific debate.

The European organization FUND (Facilitators' Units Network for Debate) has designed a game (28 languages) to facilitate such exchanges between neophytes and scientists: PlayDecide. This discussion game is not intended to create or transmit scientific knowledge, but rather to create a democratic debate between the various players and, at the same time, develop a popular culture and interest in scientific topics.

A game that isn't a game

PlayDecide is played face-to-face, around a table. At first glance, PlayDecide looks more like a meeting than a game. However, participants use cards to fuel the debate, following a procedure that resembles the rules of our traditional board games.

Marion Sabourdy, on Knowtex, gives a good idea of how a "game" unfolds.

First, participants are presented with cards containing testimonials, facts, avenues for discussion and so on. Each player chooses from among these cards the ones that have touched him or her (whether favorably or unfavorably), and explains the reasons for his or her selection.

Then it's time for a frank discussion, based on each player's knowledge and the cards selected. Challenge" cards are there to kick-start a lukewarm discussion, and as in soccer, yellow cards prevent a situation from escalating.

In the final stage, the aim is to come up with four policy proposals on the scientific topic in question. The players must then vote to express their agreement (or disagreement) with the proposals.

The plurality of European realities

The aim is then to share on the PlayDecide website the proposals and opinions that have emerged during each game (between 1 h 30 and 2 h). You can then see the opinions and reasoning of different groups of European citizens on these issues. In fact, the site now covers the whole of the European community, with some twenty topics offered in the same number of languages. Unfortunately, not all topics are translated, and for many of them you'll have to search in vain for a French version. However, visitors are strongly encouraged to translate and adapt the content in their own language.

All content is placed under a Creative Commons license, to facilitate reuse and transformation. It's mainly the groups that launch new topics. For example, the topic on nanotechnology was created by a movement to debate and reflect on the risks and benefits associated with this technology.

By reading, among other things, the stories of game use and production on PlayDecide, or the testimonials of game consultants, it's easy to grasp the scientific issues that inspire and matter to the various European communities. In fact, the game itself allows us to discern the characteristics of debaters from different cultural areas.

For example, Italians are quick to use yellow cards to restore a little calm to the discussion, while Scandinavians, on the contrary, often use challenge cards to revive dull exchanges.

Of course, these discussion games aren't perfect. The rhythm is sometimes broken by the use of cards, and these are not always generous with information. However, they do have one considerable advantage: they enable groups of citizens to exercise their democratic right to discuss, to confront different points of view and to become aware of the major scientific issues that may upset our societies in the near future. Democs did the same for politics and economics.

Whether in the classroom or in the community, Europe is now invited to play with and discuss sensitive scientific issues. The kits are available free of charge in the language of your choice (if offered), and you can then contribute to the debate on PlayDecide by sharing your conclusions. We look forward to more games to stimulate discussion!

PlayDecide