Environmental Context

spaceParticipation

Rationale


Role of Experts
spaceDemocracy vs Technocracy
spaceDecisions as Technical
space
Opposition to Participation

Levels of Participation
Information Access
Environmental Impact Assmt
References
Site Map

spaceBack to Main Menu...

Divider

Defining Decisions as Technical

Bullet pointDepoliticises decisions
  • decisions appear subject to objective criteria like cost, efficiency
  • difficult issues such as conflicting interests can be avoided
  • hides political choice and priorities involved
  • ethics, morals, human decency considered a matter of opinion
  • unspoken objectives, eg helping industry can remain hidden
  • limits arguments to technical issues

Bullet pointDecisions become expert terrain

  • no need for public involvement
  • gives advantage to those with best access to experts/information

Bullet pointLegitimation of decisions

  • can take advantage of public respect for expertise
  • invoking an authority instead of evidence
  • referring to own experts advice
  • referring to reports/studies commissioned for the purpose
  • experts used as mouthpieces like lawyers

Divider