The Honest Broker
Making Sense of Science in Policy and Politics

A practical guide for scientists, politicians and citizens to the relationship between science and politics.

Roger A. Pielke, Jr (Author)

9780521694810, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 19 April 2007

200 pages, 3 b/w illus. 4 tables
22.6 x 15 x 1.3 cm, 0.34 kg

'Scientists and those in the business of science policy should read this book and consider its message carefully, because it has the potential to both bolster the legitimacy of the scientific enterprise and improve policy making. STS and social studies of science scholars are likely to find his argument familiar, but Pielke has developed such an incisive framework that even these audiences will find new and valuable contributions. Furthermore, his book is exemplary in its clear, jargon-free accessibility, which makes it an excellent pedagogical tool for initiating students into issues of science and society.' Adam Briggle, Social Studies of Science

Scientists have a choice concerning what role they should play in political debates and policy formation, particularly in terms of how they present their research. This book is about understanding this choice, what considerations are important to think about when deciding, and the consequences of such choices for the individual scientist and the broader scientific enterprise. Rather than prescribing what course of action each scientist ought to take, the book aims to identify a range of options for individual scientists to consider in making their own judgments about how they would like to position themselves in relation to policy and politics. Using examples from a range of scientific controversies and thought-provoking analogies from other walks of life, The Honest Broker challenges us all - scientists, politicians and citizens - to think carefully about how best science can contribute to policy-making and a healthy democracy.

List of figures
List of tables
Acknowledgements
1. Four idealized roles of science in policy and politics
2. The big picture, science and democracy
3. Science and decision making
4. Values
5. Uncertainty
6. How Science policy shapes science in policy and politics
7. Preemption and the decision to go to war in Iraq
8. When scientists politicize science
9. Making sense of science in policy and politics
References
Index.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX], Impact of science & technology on society [PDR], Political economy [KCP], Comparative politics [JPB], Politics & government [JP]