Honest Broker - the 5 scientists

There are five modes of engagment by scientists:

They are a function of how we think about democracy and how we think about the proper role of science in society.

The pure scientist: Does not engage - only presents the facts and statistics. No bias.

eg: Its up to you/ presents the nutrional value of food for you to decide.

The science arbiter: Supports decision maker by providing answers to question that can be answered empirically - with science. Just provides answers - no bias

Eg: Writing report of all the closest Thai restaurants if they wanted to know the closest thai restaurant.

The Issue advocate: Has a desire to reduce the scope of avaliable choice to a single preferred outcome among many. There is bias - you limit based on what you think fits.

eg: Rec friend’s restaurant because you know them and know they are good. Giving a place you know is really good and matches the interests of the person.

The Honest Broker of policy alternatives: Make clear to the decision makers the full scope of options and conseqquences of the choice - no bias is pushed

eg: Provides info on all restaurants, costs, menu and their opinon on what the food is like - said so without bias.

Stealth issue advocate: Pushes an agenda without realising they are bias. Making them make a deicions and claiming you are just trying to inform people.

It is better to have a range of these types of scientist in decision making - Context will determine roles of any particular expert are more important but ultimately all roles are needed for scientific integrity