The Power of Scientific Knowledge

Reiner Grundmann is Chair of Science and Technology Studies at the University of Nottingham. He has published in journals such as New Left Review, The British Journal of Sociology, Current Sociology, the Journal of Classical Sociology, Science, Technology and Human Values, and Public Understanding of Science. His book publications include Marxism and Ecology (1991), Transnational Environmental Policy (2001) and Experts: The Knowledge and Power of Expertise (with Nico Stehr, 2011). Nico Stehr is Karl Mannheim Professor of Cultural Studies at the Zeppelin University, Friedrichshafen, Germany and Director of the European Centre for Sustainability Research at his university. His recent publications include: Who owns Knowledge: Knowledge and the Law with Bernd Weiler (2008), Knowledge and Democracy (2008), Society: Critical Concepts in Sociology with Reiner Grundmann (2008), Climate and Society with Hans von Storch (2010) and Experts: The Knowledge and Power of Expertise with Reiner Grundmann (2011).

• Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. The savior of capitalism: the power of economic discourse; 3. The mentors of the Holocaust and the power of race science; 4. Protectors of nature: the power of climate change research; 5. Conclusion; Bibliography.

'A sweeping, yet intellectually precise and honest overview on when and how scientific knowledge influences policy making, ranging from Keynesianism to eugenics and climate change. Knowledge as 'lever for action' remains a precious resource - as contentious as it is desperately needed.' Helga Nowotny, President, European Research Council