Article ID: CBB992633742

Conceptualizing Numbers at the Science–Policy Interface (November 2018)

unapi

Quantitative information is one of the means used to interface science with policy. As a consequence, much effort is invested in producing quantitative information for policy and much criticism is directed toward the use of numbers in policy. In this paper, I analyze five approaches drawn from such criticisms and propose alternative uses of quantitative information for governance: (i) valuation of ecosystem services, (ii) social multicriteria evaluation, (iii) quantification of uncertainty through the Numeral, Unit, Spread, Assessment, Pedigree approach, (iv) Quantitative Story-Telling, and (v) the heuristic use of statistics. The analysis shows the varied ways that numbers are conceptualized and how different conceptualizations matter for the science–policy interface. Alternative conceptualizations of numbers are used to challenge the model of science-speaking truth to power. Uncertainty, complexity, pluralism, malpractice, and values are mobilized to redefine the relations between science and policy. Alternative quantification may produce alternative facts, but reflexive approaches that use numbers to discuss the relevance of equity, positionality, and quality in science for policy may offer a remedy.

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https://data.isiscb.org/isis/citation/CBB992633742/

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Authors & Contributors
Céline Parotte
Leonie Dendler
Barnett, Allain J.
Luis Reyes-Galindo
Richter, Lauren
Pierre Delvenne
Concepts
Technoscience; science and technology studies
Governance
Public policy
Expertise
Participation
Power (social sciences)
Time Periods
21st century
20th century, late
20th century
Places
Colombia
United States
Japan
Germany
Europe
Canada
Institutions
Santa Fe Institute
European Commission
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