3. Politics and Expertise: Zeynep Pamuk

Politics and Expertise: Zeynep Pamuk

Dan and Richard are joined by University of Oxford Associate Professor Zeynep Pamuk to discuss her recent book, Politics and Expertise: How to Use Science in a Democratic Society. The book's grand theme is captured in the two epigraphs found at the beginning: "It would not only be foolish but downright irresponsible to accept the judgment of scientists and physicians without further examination" and "the rational layman will recognize that in matters about which there is good reason to believe there is expert opinion, he ought not to make up his own mind." Zeynep provides a robust critique, and ideas for solutions, on how the longstanding tension between expert knowledge and democratic decisionmaking can be resolved, using very topical examples such as the recent global pandemic.

Link to book: https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691218939/politics-and-expertise