From Stars to States

A Manifest for Science in Society

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Physics, General Physics, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book From Stars to States by Thierry J.-L. Courvoisier, Springer International Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Thierry J.-L. Courvoisier ISBN: 9783319592329
Publisher: Springer International Publishing Publication: July 19, 2017
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Thierry J.-L. Courvoisier
ISBN: 9783319592329
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Publication: July 19, 2017
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

The aim of this essay is to understand the relationship between knowledge and society and to reflect on the links between science and political decision making. The text evolved from  a number of reflections the author made while president of the European Astronomical Society, president of the Swiss Academy of Sciences and vice-president of the European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC). The book starts by using astronomy as a showcase for what science brings to society in terms of intellectual enrichment, of practical tools and of societal inputs. It then turns to looking generally at science as a human endeavour for which pleasure is a prime motivation and it describes the efforts made by researchers to rationalise their findings, thus making them universally acceptable. The author also describes the role of science in shaping our environment and discusses resulting responsibility of the scientists with respect to the evolution of the world. As part of an analysis of the relationship between science and policy the author describes the way in which scientists can (and must) bring knowledge in the political decision making process. The argument is closed with considerations on global governance, while the conclusion puts evidence based decision making processes in relation with the more emotional aspects of our behaviour.
The readership of the book is intended to be all scientists involved in “science for policy” activities, as well as those who should become more active in this domain. This includes, but is not limited to, all members of science academies. Astronomers will find specific elements to help them think about their science. The intended readers of the book also include civil servants and policy makers who develop legislation and societal action in domains in which a solid knowledge base is important. The book should furthermore be of interest to citizens following public life and all those worried by the “post evidence” trends in policy.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The aim of this essay is to understand the relationship between knowledge and society and to reflect on the links between science and political decision making. The text evolved from  a number of reflections the author made while president of the European Astronomical Society, president of the Swiss Academy of Sciences and vice-president of the European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC). The book starts by using astronomy as a showcase for what science brings to society in terms of intellectual enrichment, of practical tools and of societal inputs. It then turns to looking generally at science as a human endeavour for which pleasure is a prime motivation and it describes the efforts made by researchers to rationalise their findings, thus making them universally acceptable. The author also describes the role of science in shaping our environment and discusses resulting responsibility of the scientists with respect to the evolution of the world. As part of an analysis of the relationship between science and policy the author describes the way in which scientists can (and must) bring knowledge in the political decision making process. The argument is closed with considerations on global governance, while the conclusion puts evidence based decision making processes in relation with the more emotional aspects of our behaviour.
The readership of the book is intended to be all scientists involved in “science for policy” activities, as well as those who should become more active in this domain. This includes, but is not limited to, all members of science academies. Astronomers will find specific elements to help them think about their science. The intended readers of the book also include civil servants and policy makers who develop legislation and societal action in domains in which a solid knowledge base is important. The book should furthermore be of interest to citizens following public life and all those worried by the “post evidence” trends in policy.

More books from Springer International Publishing

Cover of the book Harmonies of Disorder by Thierry J.-L. Courvoisier
Cover of the book Boko Haram’s Terrorism and the Nigerian State by Thierry J.-L. Courvoisier
Cover of the book Quality, Reliability, Security and Robustness in Heterogeneous Systems by Thierry J.-L. Courvoisier
Cover of the book Economic Inequality and Political Representation in Switzerland by Thierry J.-L. Courvoisier
Cover of the book Dynamics of Mechanical Systems with Non-Ideal Excitation by Thierry J.-L. Courvoisier
Cover of the book Industry Trends in Cloud Computing by Thierry J.-L. Courvoisier
Cover of the book Parallel Computational Technologies by Thierry J.-L. Courvoisier
Cover of the book Strategic Planning for Advanced Nursing Practice by Thierry J.-L. Courvoisier
Cover of the book Matrix Algebra by Thierry J.-L. Courvoisier
Cover of the book The Carrera Revolt and 'Hybrid Warfare' in Nineteenth-Century Central America by Thierry J.-L. Courvoisier
Cover of the book Dissecting Regulatory Interactions of RNA and Protein by Thierry J.-L. Courvoisier
Cover of the book Doing Business in ASEAN Markets by Thierry J.-L. Courvoisier
Cover of the book Exploring Omnichannel Retailing by Thierry J.-L. Courvoisier
Cover of the book Ground Engineering - Principles and Practices for Underground Coal Mining by Thierry J.-L. Courvoisier
Cover of the book The New Arctic by Thierry J.-L. Courvoisier
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy