The knowledge of the individual citizen is of less value…
“The knowledge of the individual citizen is of less value than the knowledge of science. The former is the opinion of individuals. It is merely subjective and is excluded from policies. The latter is objective - defined by science and promulgated by expert spokesmen. This objective knowledge is viewed as a commodity which can be refined... and fed into a process, now called decision-making. This new mythology of governance by the manipulation of knowledge-stock inevitably erodes reliance on government by people.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Individual opinions are subjective and less valuable for policy than objective scientific knowledge, which is treated as a commodity in decision‑making, eroding public trust in government.
In simple terms: Science is seen as objective, opinions as subjective, shaping policy.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize transparent, inclusive decision processes.
Themes
governance
science policy
public trust
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy workshops
- public forums
- education reform
- citizen advisory boards
Key Concepts
knowledge commodification
expert authority
democratic participation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizen voices be integrated into policy?
- What safeguards prevent knowledge‑stock abuse?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on “objective” knowledge can marginalize lived experience.