Absence in Science, Security and Policy ― From Research Agendas to Global Strategy

We all, in everyday life, routinely ignore far more things than we pay attention to. This is no less the case in the science policy-making process, thus making the processes by which some matters become salient or absent open to empirical and theoretical investigation. In this respect, Absence in Science, Security and Policy addresses two main questions: how can people and institutions concerned with the ethical, legal and social implications of science and medicine become more mindful about the implications they are not addressing? How can the recognition of such absences be translated into analysis that is practically relevant? This edited volume explores the absent and missing in debates about science and security. Through a range of case studies, including biological and chemical weapons control, science journalism, nanotechnology research and neuroethics, the contributors explore how matters become absent, ignored or forgotten and the implications of this for ethics, policy and society.

Brian Rappert is Professor of Science, Technology and Public Affairs in the Department of Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology at the University of Exeter. His long-term research interests have included the social and ethical dilemmas associated with scientific and technical expertise.

Brian Balmer is Professor of Science Policy Studies in the Department of Science and Technology Studies, University College London. He is the author of Britain and Biological Warfare (Palgrave, 2001), and his research interests focus on the nature of scientific expertise, and the role of experts in science policy formation.