Living inventions: biotechnology and the public

Abstract

The history of participatory procedures suggests this may not produce consensus; when technologies embody highly controversial political and social values, consensus is not a feasible goal. Controversial issues must be defined in terms of problems to be solved rather than solutions to be accepted. Further developing trust is a long-term process built on evidence of reliability and openness established over time. By sorting out conflicting values, they may reduce public mistrust of administrative institutions and, in the long run, encourage the development of equitable decisions.