A Pragmatist Orientation for the Social Sciences in Climate Policy

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While expertise in economics and social sciences is vital for effective public policy on global climate change, social scientists encounter trade-offs among scientific credibility, policy relevance, and legitimacy in their advice. This book systematically examines these trade-offs and challenges related to the integrated economic assessments of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Drawing on John Dewey’s pragmatist philosophy, it analyzes the value-laden nature and reliability of climate change economics, proposing a refined science-policy model and specific guidelines for evaluating climate policy options. The central premise is to scientifically investigate the practical implications of various climate policy pathways in an interdisciplinary context, engaging diverse stakeholders. This approach aims to foster an iterative, deliberative public learning process around contentious policy issues. The volume contributes to three key areas: the philosophy of (social) science in policy, the philosophy of economics, and discussions on the design of scientific assessments, including ongoing reforms within the IPCC. It appeals to philosophers and scholars interested in the science-policy interface, as well as assessment practitioners, climate policymakers, and economists. The developed science-policy approach has already impacted recent socio-economic assessments by the IPCC.