Science, technology, and government: Re-examining the relationship

Abstract

Science and technology policy in the United States has long been peculiarly marked by the language and atmosphere of crisis. In fact, the success of special pleadings suited to times of crisis has helped carry an historical obliviousness to the political significance of science and technology forward into modern times. An increasingly sophisticated understanding of the chosen or constructed nature and pervasive influence of science and technology in our lives, however, now joins forces with popular political developments to compel not only a reexamination but a reformulation of the role of government in science and technology decision making. Building on an historical background, the author argues, based on the science, technology, and society literature and on a consideration of American democratic traditions, that past policy-making patterns must now include new forms of public participation.