Science and Public Policy - A Philosophical Introduction

Science and Public Policy: A Philosophical Introduction argues that in order to effectively apply science in any relevant or meaningful way, we must first understand what science is, how it works, and what its limitations are. The first half of the book thus discusses the domain of science, the concept of scientific evidence, and the interpretation of scientific data. The second half then moves through a detailed discussion of science communication in the public sphere, the concept, use and limitations of scientific expertise, and finally, the ways in which we can effectively apply science to public policies in the context of a democratic society. Along the way, the book uses detailed scientific examples to explore the relationship between science and uncertainty with the aim of showing that, in the end, public debates over science are rarely over the science itself, but instead over what public policies will follow from the science.
Key Features

• Explains what science is, as well as what it can and cannot do in the context of public policy. Offers separate chapters dedicated to:
• Scientific Methodology
• Scientific Evidence
• Interpreting the Science
• Communicating the Science
• Scientific Expertise
• Science-Informed Public Policies
• Includes Introductions and Summaries in each chapter to help guide the reader throughout the book

List of contents

1. Scientific methodology
2. Scientific evidence
3. Interpreting the science
4. Communicating the science
5. Scientific expertise
6. Science-informed public policies

Summary

This book argues that to we must understand the nature of science in order to use it better. The first half discusses the the concept of scientific evidence and interpretation of scientific data. The second covers science communication and the application of science to public policies in democratic societies.

Product details

• Authors: Ashley Graham Kennedy
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 12.10.2023
• EAN: 9781032317403
• ISBN: 978-1-0-3231740-3
• No. of pages: 122
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Philosophy; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Philosophy: general, reference works; Social sciences, law, business > Social sciences (general); Sociology, PHILOSOPHY / General, Philosophy of Science, Ethics & moral philosophy, environmental science, engineering & technology, Biology, life sciences, Public Administration, Public health & preventive medicine, Ethics and moral philosophy, Agricultural science, Engineering: general, Medical ethics and professional conduct, Medical ethics & professional conduct, Public health and preventive medicine, Environmental science, engineering and technology