Science and Public Policy

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.

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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