Date: 2021
Type: Video
COVID-19 and the paradox of scientific advice
ECO, 2021, Crisis of Expert Knowledge and Authority, Online lecture
PAMUK, Zeynep, moderated by COLLEONI, Marco, COVID-19 and the paradox of scientific advice, ECO, 2021, Crisis of Expert Knowledge and Authority, Online lecture - https://hdl.handle.net/1814/71860
Retrieved from Cadmus, EUI Research Repository
This talk will analyse the dynamics of the scientific advisory committee, a neglected political institution whose importance became clear during the COVID-19 pandemic. What I call the paradox of scientific advice is the inherent tension between our two basic expectations from scientific advice—neutrality and usefulness. To be useful, advisers must help governments set and attain their goals. Judgments about values and ends are necessary for useful advice, as are subjective judgments in the face of uncertainty and disagreement. This puts the committee in a double bind. If it tries to be more useful, this compromises the neutrality that is the source of its authority and legitimacy. If it tries to remain neutral, it sacrifices usefulness. I argue that this dilemma cannot be solved within the committee, but that broader democratic scrutiny could mitigate its force. Advisory committees, in turn, should be structured to facilitate this scrutiny.
Additional information:
Lecture given online on 21 June 2021; The Interdisciplinary research cluster 'Crisis of Expert Knowledge and Authority' 2021 edition is organized by EUI.
Cadmus permanent link: https://hdl.handle.net/1814/71860
External link: https://youtu.be/lKnYqIoipM8
https://www.eui.eu/events?id=531670
https://www.eui.eu/events?id=531670
Series/Number: ECO; 2021; Crisis of Expert Knowledge and Authority; Online lecture
Publisher: European University Institute
Keyword(s): COVID-19 Covid-19 Coronavirus
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