To find issues where questions arise about the appropriate roles of scientists in policy and politics, it often seems that one need only open up the morning paper. Whether the issue involves national science academies, government advisors, environmental, corporate, or other interest groups, or individual scientists, many contested public issues today involve science and scientists. To stimulate discussion and application of the framework provided in this book, this appendix provides several case studies. In each case, ask yourself,

• What decisions are faced by individual scientists or science institutions?

• And what are the consequences?

• Are the issues characterized by values conflict or consensus? Certainty or uncertainty?

• What are the consequences of serving as a Pure Scientist, Science Arbiter, Issue Advocate, or Honest Broker of Policy Alternatives?

These cases are merely a point of departure for exploring the role of scientists in policy and politics in other issue areas that you will no doubt come across just about every day.

Applying the Framework I: Honest Brokers of Policy Alternatives

Throughout this volume has emphasized the importance of Honest Brokers of Policy Alternatives as a role for scientists and other experts in policy and politics. But who are such honest brokers?

In practice they could be any expert or collection of experts, but far more likely from the standpoints of practicality and legitimacy, Honest Brokers of Policy Alternatives will be a collection of experts on a committee or other formal organization.