This chapter introduces several of the main themes of the book by addressing the following two questions:

• Can science compel action?

• What are “policy,” “politics,” and “science”?

The answer to the first question is “sometimes,” but only in very specific decision contexts characterized by general agreement on valued outcomes and little uncertainty between particular actions and the achievement of outcomes associated with those actions. Such situations are rarely controversial. The answers to the second question are that “policy” is a decision, a commitment to a particular course of action. “Politics” refers to bargaining, negotiation, and compromise in pursuit of desired ends. Understanding these concepts can provide a bit of analytical rigor in defining concepts such as the “politicization of science” and “scientization for policy.” Understanding the complex interrelationship of science, policy, and politics is a first step toward making sense of the different roles of scientists who seek to contribute to effective decision-making and sustaining the scientific enterprise.

Can science compel action?

Late at night on July 1, 2002, high over southern Germany two planes streaked across the sky on a collision course. One was a DHL cargo jet and the other a Russian charter carrying students on their way to vacation in Spain. As the planes approached each other, the onboard computerized collision avoidance system on the Russian charter warned the pilot to climb higher. But at just about the same instant over the radio a ground controller told the Russian pilot to dive.