[Controlling science and technology, 1965-2000].

Abstract

Over the last 35 years ideas about the development of science and technology have taken a new turn. The optimistic period of post-war reconstruction that lasted until the nineteen sixties saw science and technology as almost autonomous phenomena and as the source of our wealth. This view came to be criticized in the seventies, and the social impact of the intertwined development of science and technology came under scrutiny. Discussions about nuclear power, nuclear weapons and environmental problems induced the first attempts to control the development of science and technology. These attempts were mainly directed at minimalizing side effects, yet at the same time an increasing need was felt to adapt the course of scientific and technological developments to social needs. Governments were urged to devise mechanisms to institutionalize attempts in this direction. Social groupings began to use science and technology as a means to achieve their own ends (e.g., alternative technology). In particular, there was a growing interest in the possibilities of influencing decision-making with regard to science and technology. This paper presents an overview of these developments and illustrates the growing involvement of outside parties. Multinational companies, science organizations and the universities have thus paid increasing attention to forms of decision making that aim to give civilians a more important role.