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The project of science has been to provide answers to questions
about the world and how it works. Often, this lofty role has been
characterised by a narrow and dogmatic scientific training, an
unwillingness to communicate to differing stakeholder needs, a
refusal to accept and to manage uncertainty, complexity and value
commitments, and the reduction of knowledge assessment to colleague
peer review on narrowly technical issues. Times have changed. As
the world faces increasingly disparate challenges, science is
subjected to increasingly vehement demands from a society calling
for transparency, openness and public participation in science
policy. Science is going through an evolutionary process. Perhaps
the most painful process it has ever encountered. Research on the
interfaces between science and society is a burgeoning area. A new
conception of knowledge now appears to be emerging, based on the
awareness of complexity, uncertainty and a plurality of legitimate
perspectives and interests. Democracy is extending into the
previously quite exclusive scientific realm, and science must now
submit to public scrutiny and participation in the governance of
knowledge. This book provides much-needed reflections on the
methods and tools for knowledge quality assurance, particularly on
its inputs to extended policy and decision-making processes. The
overall aim is to improve the relationship between science and
society. The discussion involves six themes: communicating between
plural perspectives; accepting and learning how to manage
uncertainty, complexity and value commitments; acknowledging new
conceptions of knowledge; implementing transparency, openness and
participation in science policy; valuing community-based research;
and exploring how new ICT can support inclusive governance. Taken
together, these themes provide both a framework and vision on how
to conceive, discuss and evaluate the changes that are occurring.
The chapters cover theory, practice, approaches, experiences, ideas
and suggestions for a move beyond "talking the talk" to "walking
the walk". Science and policy interfaces are dynamic processes
needing to permanently redefine themselves and their roles. This
book contributes to the enrichment and deepening of our
understanding of these important new trends in the social relations
of science, which are fundamental to our understanding of the
prospects for further progress. The book will be essential reading
for scientists, policy-makers, managers and the public.
The "precautionary principle" is widely seen as fundamental to
successful policies for sustainability. It has been cited in
international courts and trade disputes between the USA and the EU,
and invoked in a growing range of political debates. Understanding
what it can and cannot achieve is therefore crucial.;This volume
looks back over the last century to examine the role the
"principle" played or could have played, in a range of major and
avoidable public disasters. From detailed investigation of how each
disaster unfolded, what the impacts were and what measures were
adopted, the authors draw lessons and establish criteria that could
help to minimise the health and environmental risks of future
technological, economic and policy innovations.;This is an
informative resource for all those from lawyers and policy-makers,
to researchers and students needing to understand or apply the
"principle".
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