Abstract

The classical conception of science depicted scientific knowledge production as a cumulative process which did not prioritize the practical outcomes of the research output. This conception has long been questioned as a result of the inquiries and research in the history, philosophy, and the sociology of science. The debates on the relationship between the production of scientific knowledge, social processes, ideologies and policy-making processes had brought about an argument for redefining science as a centrally-planned activity which prioritize the social benefits. On the other hand, the representatives of the opposite camp criticized such an attempt on the grounds that it will damage the autonomous structure of science which they regard as the foundational source of the scientific progress. These debates had found new grounds with the increasing dominance of the welfare state paradigm and the concomitant technocratic culture. With the dissemination of the skeptical views against scientists along with other experts in 1960s and the increasing public awareness of the global risks which were directly or indirectly caused by the advancements in science and technology, the public trust in science had dwindled. As a result, the need for assessing the role science should play in case these risks turn into crises have become a key issue of discussion. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the role science should play during the times of global crises with reference to the discussions which emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent discussion in the literature on the relationship between science and policy-making.