When our societies are faced with challenges we often call on science to provide us with the best course of action; we strive to make evidence-based decisions. But what assumptions are hiding behind this recipe for decision-making? And how can taking control of a situation reduce our capacity for responding with care? We delve back into the Forest of Thought today with Andy Stirling, Professor of Science and Technology Policy at the STEPS Centre, UK.

Andy Stirling is Professor of Science and Technology Policy at the University of Sussex. He co-directs the STEPS Centre, which looks at social, technological and environmental pathways to sustainability. Andy’s research focusses on understanding science and technology in relation to issues of power, uncertainty and diversity.

LINKS:

• A video talk and blog post by Andy on modernity, the pandemic and the futilities of control: https://steps-centre.org/news/andy-stirling-on-covid-19-modernity-and-control-video/


• Andy’s 4-part blog series on responding to climate disruption with caring struggle rather than technocratic control: https://steps-centre.org/blog/is-the-naming-of-climate-change-a-dangerous-self-defeat/


• A lecture by Andy on uncertainty and power in science: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDfQ3fIKygQ

Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/forestofthought .

Share and subscribe. We’re available on most podcast apps, including:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ue3XA6IQQLC05FQMINuy1


• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/…/podcast/forest-of…/id1508610729


• Links to all platforms: https://anchor.fm/forestofthought 

Our theme music is by Christian Steen at stoneproduction.no.