Biotechnology and Democracy: participative processes and techno-scientific innovation.
An issue much debated in recent years, and which highlights the tension between science and society, and the consequent inability of the conventional political organizations to mediate between their claims, is the question of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The uncertainty of whether the introduction of GMOs in agriculture is safe or unsafe for human health and the natural environment is ‘certified’ by the scientific community, which is divided on both how to interpret the data available and what to recommend to political actors – those, that is, with responsibility for taking decisions on whether these scientific-technical advances should be utilized.
The purpose of the book is to contribute to discussion on this topic. Its intention is not to give political and scientific reassurances but rather to aid understanding of a complex phenomenon. Above all, its aim is to suggest possible ways in which consensus can be achieved through innovative ways to inform and involve the general public and interest organizations so that they can participate in political decisions on the level of risk acceptable to the community.
More information on the Fondazione Lanza website