Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Title

Rescuing science from politics : regulation and the distortion of scientific research

Publication Date

2006

Abstract

From a legal perspective, this ideal of transparency is closely connected to other ideals: the predictability and legitimacy of the law, and the rule of law itself. If legal rules transparently govern the outcomes in particular cases, and if similar cases are decided similarly, then the law is more likely to be predictable and fair. Moreover, governmental institutions are less likely to abuse their powers. A major goal in founding the World Trade Organization (WTO) was to achieve predictability and legitimacy in the resolution of international trade disputes by requiring transparent reasoning for the findings of fact that resolve those disputes. When those findings are about the risks of harm posed by imported products, the WTO relies on scientific evidence and reasoning. And if transparent scientific reasoning can help make international trade law more predictable and fair, there would seem to be no harmful downside for science.

Comments

This chapter is from Rescuing science from politics : regulation and the distortion of scientific research edited by Wendy Wagner and Rena Steinzor

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.