This is a clear and engaging discussion of how science and liberal democracies share a commitment to analogous norms and values, and of how citizens can be empowered by scientific literacy. It is recommended to those interested in finding out what it takes to contribute meaningfully to public debate in contemporary democracies.
Eleonora Montuschi, Professor of Philosophy of Science, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy
Mauro Dorato adopts a fresh approach to analyzing science and democracy from the joint angle of problem-solving. He seeks to resolve the apparent conflict between political values and interests, for one, and scientific knowledge and expertise, for another. As he argues, politics is based on scientific insights, while science proceeds by striving for a consensus in the scientific community. A remarkable explanation of how science and democracy illuminate each other.
Martin Carrier, Professor of Philosophy, Bielefeld University, Germany
In a period in which democracy and science are under threat, questioned, but also brandished as political rhetoric against enemies, this soft spoken and in depth reflection on their meaning, their value, and their intimate relation is welcome and important for us all.
Carlo Rovelli, Professor of Theoretical Physics, Aix-Marseille University, France