Science of – or science in – society?

[stephen...@fundp.ac.be]

This article was published in March 2012. It raises some discussion points concerning scientific research and how it can or might relate to public concerns.

One key notion is expressed like this:

"...we can't have a situation where scientific research carries on according to its assumed internal logic and confronts a public with its fruits whether or not they're wanted, understood or needed. These concepts are socio-political and its at the level of socio-political interests, expressed in governance operations with science, that these issues should be meted out. That's what's meant in saying 'progress' is an important word: there is scientific advance, which is one thing, but then there is progress, which is a much more nuanced, value-laden, politically charged notion."

Perhaps this article could be a useful starting point for some discussion here?