9 - Science and politics I

Summary

Chapter 8 made the case that a book on ethics and science should include considerations of science–society relationships. Thinking must extend beyond doing things right to doing the right things. Thus the remaining chapters explore the social contexts of scientific research. Chapters 9 and 10 form a natural pair: the former covers the making of policies to guide the conduct of science, the latter deals with the use of science to guide policymaking. Notice how in the political context concern for “good science” and “certified knowledge” tends now to be discussed in terms of “sound science” (science that is good for society) and “responsible knowledge.” The final two chapters broaden the perspective beyond politics to consider the place of science in ideational culture (the world of ideas and beliefs) and material culture (technologies and their human significance).

Setting the stage: government funding of embryonic stem cell research

Early in his administration, US President George W. Bush gave a nationally televised address about government funding of research on human embryonic stem cells (ESCs). He announced a policy that would restrict federal funding of research involving ESCs. This policy for science can be used as a case study in the political governance of science, which includes state regulation and promotion of scientific research.