Science, Policy, and the Value-Free Ideal

Science, Policy, and the Value-Free Ideal
Author: Heather E. Douglas
Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Pre
Total Pages: 227
Release: 2009-07-15
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 082297357X

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The role of science in policymaking has gained unprecedented stature in the United States, raising questions about the place of science and scientific expertise in the democratic process. Some scientists have been given considerable epistemic authority in shaping policy on issues of great moral and cultural significance, and the politicizing of these issues has become highly contentious. Since World War II, most philosophers of science have purported the concept that science should be "value-free." In Science, Policy and the Value-Free Ideal, Heather E. Douglas argues that such an ideal is neither adequate nor desirable for science. She contends that the moral responsibilities of scientists require the consideration of values even at the heart of science. She lobbies for a new ideal in which values serve an essential function throughout scientific inquiry, but where the role values play is constrained at key points, thus protecting the integrity and objectivity of science. In this vein, Douglas outlines a system for the application of values to guide scientists through points of uncertainty fraught with moral valence.Following a philosophical analysis of the historical background of science advising and the value-free ideal, Douglas defines how values should-and should not-function in science. She discusses the distinctive direct and indirect roles for values in reasoning, and outlines seven senses of objectivity, showing how each can be employed to determine the reliability of scientific claims. Douglas then uses these philosophical insights to clarify the distinction between junk science and sound science to be used in policymaking. In conclusion, she calls for greater openness on the values utilized in policymaking, and more public participation in the policymaking process, by suggesting various models for effective use of both the public and experts in key risk assessments.

American Science Policy Since World War II

American Science Policy Since World War II
Author: Bruce L. R. Smith
Publisher: Brookings Institution Press
Total Pages: 248
Release: 1990
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN:

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Looks at the history of government involvement in science, explains how scientific research is applied towards national goals, and suggests ways to revitalize national research.

The Science of Science Policy

The Science of Science Policy
Author: Julia I. Lane
Publisher: Stanford University Press
Total Pages: 658
Release: 2011-03-18
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 0804781605

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Basic scientific research and technological development have had an enormous impact on innovation, economic growth, and social well-being. Yet science policy debates have long been dominated by advocates for particular scientific fields or missions. In the absence of a deeper understanding of the changing framework in which innovation occurs, policymakers cannot predict how best to make and manage investments to exploit our most promising and important opportunities. Since 2005, a science of science policy has developed rapidly in response to policymakers' increased demands for better tools and the social sciences' capacity to provide them. The Science of Science Policy: A Handbook brings together some of the best and brightest minds working in science policy to explore the foundations of an evidence-based platform for the field. The contributions in this book provide an overview of the current state of the science of science policy from three angles: theoretical, empirical, and policy in practice. They offer perspectives from the broader social science, behavioral science, and policy communities on the fascinating challenges and prospects in this evolving arena. Drawing on domestic and international experiences, the text delivers insights about the critical questions that create a demand for a science of science policy.

The American People and Science Policy

The American People and Science Policy
Author: Jon D. Miller
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 166
Release: 2013-10-22
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1483158691

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The American People and Science Policy: The Role of Public Attitudes in the Policy Process examines and evaluates the structure and efficacy of public participation in the formulation of science policy in the United States. Organized into 10 chapters, this book first reviews major science policy issues in the 20th century. This text then introduces a stratified model of public policy formulation that appears to fit science policy. The public participation in science policy is also explained. Other chapters explore the science policy agenda; attitudes of both policy leaders and the attentive public on resource and independence issues; and the future of public participation in science policy. Lastly, the formulation of science policy in a democratic society is addressed. This book will be useful for professional students engaged in this field of interest.

Science Policy and Politics

Science Policy and Politics
Author: Alexander J. Morin
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Total Pages: 195
Release: 1993
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 9780137952465

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A comprehensive analysis of U.S. science policy and the political, economic, and social forces that shape it, this text focuses on federal support for scientific research and how it allocation is determined. It describes the roles of the principal actors in this process, including the federal agencies, the President and Congress, the research universities, industry, the scientists themselves, and the public. For all those interested in the major issues of science policy.

Policy Issues in Science and Technology

Policy Issues in Science and Technology
Author: United States. Congress. House. Committee on Science and Astronautics. Subcommittee on Science, Research, and Development
Publisher:
Total Pages: 74
Release: 1968
Genre: Science
ISBN:

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