May 14, 2020 | Silvio O. Funtowicz, Jerome R. Ravetz
The essay discusses the concept of "Post-Normal Science" (PNS), which addresses the challenges of policy issues involving risk and the environment. It contrasts PNS with traditional problem-solving strategies, emphasizing the need for new scientific practices in the face of high uncertainty, conflicting values, and urgent decisions. The PNS approach involves an "extended peer community" that includes non-specialists, who contribute to the scientific process as equal participants. This model is particularly relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, where the urgency of decisions and the complexity of the situation required a new form of scientific engagement. The essay highlights the role of uncertainty in science and the need for a transparent system of notations (NUSAP) to manage and communicate scientific information. It also discusses the importance of quality assurance in scientific information, the challenges of policy-making in the face of uncertainty, and the need for a plural and inclusive deliberation process. The essay argues that science and society are now in a Post-Normal age, where the traditional certainty of science is no longer applicable, and a new approach is needed to address the complex and uncertain challenges of the modern world. The essay concludes that the PNS approach is essential for the future of science and society, emphasizing the need for a democratic and inclusive approach to scientific practice.The essay discusses the concept of "Post-Normal Science" (PNS), which addresses the challenges of policy issues involving risk and the environment. It contrasts PNS with traditional problem-solving strategies, emphasizing the need for new scientific practices in the face of high uncertainty, conflicting values, and urgent decisions. The PNS approach involves an "extended peer community" that includes non-specialists, who contribute to the scientific process as equal participants. This model is particularly relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, where the urgency of decisions and the complexity of the situation required a new form of scientific engagement. The essay highlights the role of uncertainty in science and the need for a transparent system of notations (NUSAP) to manage and communicate scientific information. It also discusses the importance of quality assurance in scientific information, the challenges of policy-making in the face of uncertainty, and the need for a plural and inclusive deliberation process. The essay argues that science and society are now in a Post-Normal age, where the traditional certainty of science is no longer applicable, and a new approach is needed to address the complex and uncertain challenges of the modern world. The essay concludes that the PNS approach is essential for the future of science and society, emphasizing the need for a democratic and inclusive approach to scientific practice.