From Stars to States: A Manifest for Science in Society (SpringerBriefs in Astronomy)

The aim of this essay is to understand the relationship between knowledge and society and to reflect on the links between science and political decision making. The text evolved from a number of reflections the author made while president of the European Astronomical Society, president of the Swiss Academy of Sciences and vice-president of the European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC). The book starts by using astronomy as a showcase for what science brings to society in terms of intellectual enrichment, of practical tools and of societal inputs. It then turns to looking generally at science as a human endeavour for which pleasure is a prime motivation and it describes the efforts made by researchers to rationalise their findings, thus making them universally acceptable. The author also describes the role of science in shaping our environment and discusses resulting responsibility of the scientists with respect to the evolution of the world. As part of an analysis of the relationship between science and policy the author describes the way in which scientists can (and must) bring knowledge in the political decision making process. The argument is closed with considerations on global governance, while the conclusion puts evidence based decision making processes in relation with the more emotional aspects of our behaviour. The readership of the book is intended to be all scientists involved in “science for policy” activities, as well as those who should become more active in this domain. This includes, but is not limited to, all members of science academies. Astronomers will find specific elements to help them think about their science. The intended readers of the book also include civil servants and policy makers who develop legislation and societal action in domains in which a solid knowledge base is important. The book should furthermore be of interest to citizens following public life and all those worried by the “post evidence” trends in policy. Foreword 7 Foreword to the French edition 7 Preface 10 Acknowledgements 12 Contents 14 1 Astrophysics Since the Middle of the Twentieth Century 16 Light and Electromagnetic Waves 17 New Discoveries in Astrophysics 18 Temporal Variation Is the Rule for the New Classes of Object 24 Change, a Universal Constant 24 2 Astronomers and Time 26 Time, Apparent Motion of the Heavenly Bodies, and Mechanics 26 The Seasons 27 Time and Organisation of Society 28 Time and Navigation 31 Time and Ritual 32 Astronomy in the Service of Society 33 3 Astronomy and Modern Society 34 Astronomy and Technology 34 Practical Uses for Space Technology 39 Science Is One Technological Driving Force Among Others 40 Astronomy and Geopolitics 41 4 Science: Pleasure and Culture 44 Science and Harmony 44 Science and Pleasure 45 From Idea to Knowledge 46 Science Can Be Communicated 48 Science as a Classical Aesthetic 48 Science as a Source of Collective Culture 49 Knowledge and Art 50 5 Knowledge, Management of the Environment, and Responsibility 54 The Impact of Fundamental Science on Society 54 Science and Innovation 55 The Practical Scope of Human and Social Sciences 56 Knowledge and Responsibility 57 What Knowledge Is at Work in the Evolution of Our Environment? 59 6 Knowledge and Politics 62 Science Victorious 62 Political and Scientific Communities 63 Difficulties for the Dialogue Between Science and Politics 64 Science and Power 66 Public Perception of Science 67 Independence of Scientists in Their Role of Knowledge Provider 68 Scientists in the World of Politics 70 7 Beyond Nations 72 From the Science of the Day to Universality 72 The Earth as a Spacecraft 73 Power Is Concentrated in Countries 74 International Powers 75 Moves Toward Regional and Global Powers 76 The European Model 78 8 Science Is Not Everything in Life 80 Feelings 80 Collective Emotions and Convictions 81 The Role of Emotions, Convictions, Knowledge, and Reason in Our Decisions 81 Front Matter....Pages i-xvi Astrophysics Since the Middle of the Twentieth Century....Pages 1-10 Astronomers and Time....Pages 11-18 Astronomy and Modern Society....Pages 19-28 Science: Pleasure and Culture....Pages 29-38 Knowledge, Management of the Environment, and Responsibility....Pages 39-46 Knowledge and Politics....Pages 47-56 Beyond Nations....Pages 57-64 Science Is Not Everything in Life....Pages 65-67