Scientific Advice Considering “Science in Making”: The time frame and responsibility boundaries

Abstract

This paper examines scientific advice in consideration of "Science in Making" and consists from three parts. First, the concept of "Science in Making" is introduced as follows: scientific knowledge is always in making process, therefore, scientific facts that is "true" now can be re-written afterwards. However, policy makers cannot re-write their policies easily. Thus, there is a very difficult problem in scientific advice which should bridge scientific knowledge and policy making.

Second, boundary-work between scientific evidence and decision making in shown. This boundary work invites discussions on responsibility boundaries between scientists and decision makers. Third, the estimation rage of scientific facts under uncertainty is discussed. Finally, it is concluded that scientific advice under uncertainty is affected by matured relationship of citizens, scientists, and policy makers.