Goodwin, Jean. “What Is “Responsible Advocacy” in Science? Good Advice.” In Between Scientists & Citizens: Proceedings of a Conference at Iowa State University, 1-2 June, 2012, edited by Jean Goodwin. 151-61. Ames, IA: GPSSA, 2012.
Debates over scientists’ appropriate contributions to policy-making are prominent in a variety of natural resources fields. The issue is often presented as one of “responsible advocacy.” But this framing locks us into a paradox: Scientists who advocate aim to be effective in the policy arena, but by advocating lose their credibility. In this preliminary review of the issue, I argue that we can avoid the paradox by acknowledging a wider range of speech acts structuring scientists’ obligations in the policy process. Scientists can advocate–but they can also report, give their assessments, make recommendations, and especially, offer good advice.
Jean Goodwin 
Posted on 14 July 12
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