Description:
This book examines the tensions between political authority and expert authority in the formation of public policy in liberal democracies. It aims to illustrate and better understand the nature of these tensions rather than argue specific ways of resolving them. Each chapter explores the complexity of interaction between the two forms of authority in different policy domains in order to reveal and clarify some common elements in the various ways political and expert authority interact in modern liberal democracies. The policy domains covered include climate geoengineering discourses; environmental health; biotechnology; nuclear power; whaling; and the use of force.
Review Quotes:
"As the academic world lurches from its love affair with postmodernism to whatever comes next, the relationship between politics and science is going to be crucial. This book is a welcome contribution to the discussion with the huge and refreshing advantage that not everything is cast as a choice between technocracy and democracy." - Harry Collins FBA, Distinguished Research Professor, Cardiff University
"This book's engaging case studies show how the role of experts in politics differs dramatically in different policy areas. Rather than merely debunking or defending expertise, the authors examine the subtle processes through which scientific and political authority shape each other and yet remain distinct. In a time of widespread concern over the politicization of science, Heazle and Kane offer sensible and much needed guidance." - Mark B. Brown, Professor, Department of Government, California State University