From a traditional field of philosophy ethics has become a crucial means of government. Fast-evolving sciences and technologies need a thorough ethical evaluation. However, ethics has been framed as a self-standing issue amenable to ‘scientific’ treatment, similarly to, and associated with, the assessment of the risk, safety and efficacy of innovation, in a concerted effort to contain the latter’s politicization. The chapter analyses the triangulation of science, ethics and economy. First, it clarifies why ethics cannot be a substitute for politics. Subsequently it shows how the institutionalization of ethics advisory bodies and of ethical review in the anticipatory assessment of research and innovation are inscribed in a neoliberal rationale, as characterized by depoliticization, staged participation and indirect regulation based on people’s self-disciplining. An effective governance of science and innovation has to address their political aspects, that is, their embroilment with choices that can never be fully inclusive and rationally justified.
The ethical government of science and innovation
PELLIZZONI, LUIGI
2017-01-01
Abstract
From a traditional field of philosophy ethics has become a crucial means of government. Fast-evolving sciences and technologies need a thorough ethical evaluation. However, ethics has been framed as a self-standing issue amenable to ‘scientific’ treatment, similarly to, and associated with, the assessment of the risk, safety and efficacy of innovation, in a concerted effort to contain the latter’s politicization. The chapter analyses the triangulation of science, ethics and economy. First, it clarifies why ethics cannot be a substitute for politics. Subsequently it shows how the institutionalization of ethics advisory bodies and of ethical review in the anticipatory assessment of research and innovation are inscribed in a neoliberal rationale, as characterized by depoliticization, staged participation and indirect regulation based on people’s self-disciplining. An effective governance of science and innovation has to address their political aspects, that is, their embroilment with choices that can never be fully inclusive and rationally justified.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.