Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 253-265 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Journal | Poiesis und Praxis |
| Volume | 4 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Early online date | 16 Nov 2006 |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2006 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Abstract
Scientific research that requires space flight has always been subject to comparatively strong external control. Its agenda has often had to be adapted to vacillating political target specifications. Can space scientists appeal to one or the other form of the widely acknowledged principle of freedom of research in order to claim more autonomy? In this paper, the difficult question of autonomy within planned research is approached by examining three arguments that support the principle of freedom of research in differing ways. Each argument has its particular strengths and limitations. Together they serve to demonstrate particular advantages of scientific autonomy, but in the case of space science, their force ultimately remains limited. However, as the arguments highlight the interrelations between scientific autonomy, the democratic process and the collective interest in scientific knowledge, they suggest that a coherent and sustained space science agenda might best be ensured by increasing the transparency of science policy decisions and involving the democratic public.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Engineering(all)
- General Engineering
- Social Sciences(all)
- General Social Sciences
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In: Poiesis und Praxis, Vol. 4, No. 4, 12.2006, p. 253-265.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Scientific autonomy and planned research
T2 - The case of space science
AU - Wilholt, Torsten
N1 - Copyright: Copyright 2007 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
PY - 2006/12
Y1 - 2006/12
N2 - Scientific research that requires space flight has always been subject to comparatively strong external control. Its agenda has often had to be adapted to vacillating political target specifications. Can space scientists appeal to one or the other form of the widely acknowledged principle of freedom of research in order to claim more autonomy? In this paper, the difficult question of autonomy within planned research is approached by examining three arguments that support the principle of freedom of research in differing ways. Each argument has its particular strengths and limitations. Together they serve to demonstrate particular advantages of scientific autonomy, but in the case of space science, their force ultimately remains limited. However, as the arguments highlight the interrelations between scientific autonomy, the democratic process and the collective interest in scientific knowledge, they suggest that a coherent and sustained space science agenda might best be ensured by increasing the transparency of science policy decisions and involving the democratic public.
AB - Scientific research that requires space flight has always been subject to comparatively strong external control. Its agenda has often had to be adapted to vacillating political target specifications. Can space scientists appeal to one or the other form of the widely acknowledged principle of freedom of research in order to claim more autonomy? In this paper, the difficult question of autonomy within planned research is approached by examining three arguments that support the principle of freedom of research in differing ways. Each argument has its particular strengths and limitations. Together they serve to demonstrate particular advantages of scientific autonomy, but in the case of space science, their force ultimately remains limited. However, as the arguments highlight the interrelations between scientific autonomy, the democratic process and the collective interest in scientific knowledge, they suggest that a coherent and sustained space science agenda might best be ensured by increasing the transparency of science policy decisions and involving the democratic public.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=33947426021&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s10202-006-0031-6
DO - 10.1007/s10202-006-0031-6
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:33947426021
VL - 4
SP - 253
EP - 265
JO - Poiesis und Praxis
JF - Poiesis und Praxis
SN - 1615-6609
IS - 4
ER -