Environmental Context

spaceParticipation

Rationale


Role of Experts
spaceDemocracy vs Technocracy
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Decisions as Technical
spaceOpposition to Participation

Levels of Participation
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Why don't some experts like participation?

Bullet pointSelf-Identity
  • status and influence of experts are based on recognition that they have special knowledge and expertise and they may be reluctant to acknowledge that the public is able to contribute
  • they may see themselves as superior at problem solving and decision-making
  • they may see themselves as more precise, accurate, practical than ordinary people
  • they may view decisions as an objective weighing of facts, costs and benefits rather than a political exercise

Bullet pointView of Public

  • public viewed as ill-informed and irrational, wideranging views
  • public don't appreciate processes of science and technology

Bullet pointTrade-offs

  • experts are granted privileged position, financial rewards, influence in return for anonymity, confidentiality, loyalty and therefore they are unable to take part in a public debate

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