The Changing Mores of Science: Public Understanding and Public Accountability

Dr Josephine Anne Stein, Department of Innovation Studies, University of East London
July 1998

The main objective of the fellowship research is to develop a coherent conceptual framework for understanding public participation in civic affairs related to science and technology, based on critical analysis of current theories of PUS and jurisprudence. The parameters associated with public understanding and participation in civic affairs will be defined and analysed in order develop a general model of lay and expert roles in decisionmaking processes. This model will be used to develop practical means to improve the calibre of lay-expert interaction in S&T;-related civic activities, including party political processes, electoral decisionmaking, technology assessment, public inquiries and jury service.

The research brings together two independent streams of inquiry: (1) Public Understanding of Science (PUS) studies, including critical approaches that seek to improve bi-directional knowledge flow between expert and lay communities; and (2) research on the roles of the lay jury and expert witnesses in trials based on consideration of scientific or highly technical evidence. These two schools of thought stem from very different traditions: (1) adherence to the scientific method and efforts to enhance public competence (in which scientific knowledge is considered pre-eminent in decisionmaking processes); and (2) jurisprudence (in which the decisionmaking authority of lay juries based on informed judgement is considered fundamental to democracy).

The research adopts the premise that the scientific endeavour is undergoing a radical transformation from disinterested search for truth to targeted investigation that must be justified as contributing to some specific application, often in the private sector. The perceived role of the scientist is shifting accordingly from neutral authority to advocate, whether on behalf of social, economic or environmental interests or of disputing parties, or in support of science itself.

The research is aimed at improving democratic governance and juridical practice where science is concerned, and making publicly-funded science, engineering and technology activities more accountable to the public.

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