Science for the Post-Normal Age

Science for the Post-Normal Age

May 14, 2020 | Silvio O. Funtowicz1, Jerome R. Ravetz 2
The essay "Science for the Post-Normal Age" by Silvio O. Funtowicz and Jerome R. Ravetz introduces the concept of Post-Normal Science (PNS) as a new approach to scientific problem-solving in the context of policy issues involving risk and the environment. The authors argue that traditional scientific methods, which are based on certainty and value neutrality, are no longer sufficient for addressing complex, uncertain, and high-stakes issues. PNS emphasizes the management of uncertainty and the explicit consideration of values, reflecting the social and political dimensions of scientific problem-solving. The essay outlines three problem-solving strategies: applied science, professional consultancy, and post-normal science. Applied science deals with low levels of uncertainty and decision stakes, using standard routines and procedures. Professional consultancy addresses more complex problems with higher uncertainty and decision stakes, requiring personal judgments and broader expertise. Post-normal science is characterized by high levels of uncertainty and decision stakes, where traditional scientific methods are ineffective. It involves an "extended peer community" that includes various stakeholders, ensuring a more democratic and inclusive approach to scientific problem-solving. The authors highlight the importance of quality assurance in PNS, particularly in the context of policy issues. They propose the NUSAP system to manage different levels of uncertainty and evaluate the quality of scientific information. The essay also discusses the dynamic nature of policy issue resolution in PNS, where different problem-solving strategies interact and evolve over time. Overall, the essay advocates for a new scientific methodology that acknowledges the complexities and uncertainties of modern policy issues, emphasizing the need for a broader and more inclusive approach to scientific problem-solving.The essay "Science for the Post-Normal Age" by Silvio O. Funtowicz and Jerome R. Ravetz introduces the concept of Post-Normal Science (PNS) as a new approach to scientific problem-solving in the context of policy issues involving risk and the environment. The authors argue that traditional scientific methods, which are based on certainty and value neutrality, are no longer sufficient for addressing complex, uncertain, and high-stakes issues. PNS emphasizes the management of uncertainty and the explicit consideration of values, reflecting the social and political dimensions of scientific problem-solving. The essay outlines three problem-solving strategies: applied science, professional consultancy, and post-normal science. Applied science deals with low levels of uncertainty and decision stakes, using standard routines and procedures. Professional consultancy addresses more complex problems with higher uncertainty and decision stakes, requiring personal judgments and broader expertise. Post-normal science is characterized by high levels of uncertainty and decision stakes, where traditional scientific methods are ineffective. It involves an "extended peer community" that includes various stakeholders, ensuring a more democratic and inclusive approach to scientific problem-solving. The authors highlight the importance of quality assurance in PNS, particularly in the context of policy issues. They propose the NUSAP system to manage different levels of uncertainty and evaluate the quality of scientific information. The essay also discusses the dynamic nature of policy issue resolution in PNS, where different problem-solving strategies interact and evolve over time. Overall, the essay advocates for a new scientific methodology that acknowledges the complexities and uncertainties of modern policy issues, emphasizing the need for a broader and more inclusive approach to scientific problem-solving.
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