Politieke Waarheid: Over de spanning tussen wetenschap en beleid

This book describes the tension between science and policy, which has deepened particularly in the corona pandemic and climate policy. The gap between scientific truth and political truth seems to have widened. From the point of view of economics, which this book focuses on, the division of roles between science and politics is in theory clear: politicians determine the policy objectives and the implementation of the policy is then based on scientific insights into how those objectives can best be achieved. In practice this is different. Science is by no means always able to provide the certainties desired by politicians about the best use of policy instruments to achieve the objectives. Politicians then often come up with their own policy proposals in line with their political preferences. On the other hand, it is often difficult for scientists to avoid such political preferences in policy recommendations. The rise of social media, in which everyone can proclaim their own truth from wafer-thin scientific evidence, or even from disinformation and conspiracy thinking, has made it even more difficult for politicians to base themselves on scientific truths. This book shows how, in all this hectic pace, the tension between science and politics can be turned around for the better.