When Science Meets Power

Science and politics have a complex relationship, with science often helping politics but also challenging it. Geoff Mulgan's book explores the history of states using science for conquest, glory, and economic growth and proposes new ways to organize democracy and government to better shape science and technology.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 261 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2023
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Science and politics have a long and intertwined history, with science being frequently invoked in political debates today, ranging from pandemic management to climate change. However, the relationship between the two is complex and often contentious. In his book, leading policy analyst Geoff Mulgan highlights the growing friction caused by the increasing authority of science, which can both help and challenge politics. Mulgan delves into the complex history of states using science for conquest, glory, and economic growth, as well as the challenges of governing risk, such as nuclear weapons, genetic modification, artificial intelligence, and synthetic biology. He argues that the governance of science has become one of the most significant challenges of the twenty-first century, becoming increasingly prominent in daily politics and policy.

Science is based on knowledge and facts, while politics is driven by emotions and values. How can we reconcile these two to make informed and legitimate decisions? The book proposes new ways to organize democracy and government, both within nations and at a global scale, to better shape science and technology so that we can reap more of the benefits and fewer of the harms.

One of the key challenges is the need for greater transparency and accountability in the scientific community. Scientists should be held accountable for their research and findings, and there should be mechanisms in place to ensure that scientific decisions are made in the public interest. This includes the need for open access to scientific data and the publication of scientific papers, as well as the involvement of the public in scientific decision-making processes.

Another challenge is the need to address the ethical and social implications of scientific advances. As science and technology continue to advance, they raise new questions about the nature of humanity, the role of the individual, and the responsibilities of society. It is important to have robust discussions and debates about these issues to ensure that scientific advances are made in a way that is consistent with our values and principles.

The book also proposes new ways to organize democracy and government to better shape science and technology. This includes the need for greater democratic participation in scientific decision-making processes, as well as the establishment of independent institutions to oversee and regulate scientific research. At a global scale, there is a need for international cooperation and regulation to address global challenges such as climate change and pandemics.

In conclusion, the relationship between science and politics is complex and multifaceted. While science can help to inform and guide political decisions, it can also challenge political authority
decision-making. By recognizing the challenges and opportunities presented by the growing authority.

Weight: 558g
Dimension: 162 x 237 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509553068