This paper provides a new approach to public engagement in science and technology. The work derives from the idea to recall the necessity of a paradigm shift for not only agent-focused, but also agent-centered as well interactive-deliberative engagement mechanisms with low or high policy relevancy. For this purpose, an evaluative synthesis is presented, aimed to offer the modern concept of the Ethics University as a preparatory element prior to the traditional Participatory Technology Assessment. The primary aim of a Preparatory Ethics University, in the form of a seminar with learning stations, would be to supplement and support existing participatory mechanisms. But also it would lay ground for new designs in public engagement processes. This interlinked concept shall increase effectiveness of public engagement and deliberation for decision-making purposes. Being informed about ethical matters in educative and reflective dialogues can be a fruitful pre-step to a well-informed decision during an important Technology Assessment. In this interdisciplinary work, I will first justify why public participation and deliberation was necessary and then present the understanding of public participation in science and technology. Second, I will present relevant public engagement concepts, as previously mentioned, and interlink them to point out combined strengths and benefits from a Preparatory Ethics University. Third, I will open a discussion about the challenges each concept poses, objections that might occur towards a Preparatory Ethics University prior to Participatory Technology Assessment, and the accompanying answers to those. I will conclude that this new approach creates substantive opinions, empowers, educates, and deliberates on complex and controversial issues while increasing reasonable decision-making. Thus, this new approach can be considered as a new type of public engagement in the field of science and technology.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:liu-130973 |
| Date | January 2016 |
| Creators | Yildiz, Sema |
| Publisher | Linköpings universitet, Institutionen för kultur och kommunikation |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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