New Books in Science, Technology, and Society Ian Scoones, "Navigating Uncertainty: Radical Rethinking for a Turbulent World" (Polity, 2024)
Aug 27, 2025
Ian Scoones, Professorial Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies, shares insights from his book on navigating the uncertainties shaping our world. He discusses the need to embrace uncertainty in policy and practice, advocating for a 'politics of care' that prioritizes adaptability and local knowledge. Scoones critiques traditional economic models for neglecting real-world experiences and stresses the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge. Ultimately, he highlights the role of collaboration and trust in crafting effective responses to climate change and other complex challenges.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Uncertainty As A Condition Of Knowing
- Uncertainty is a condition of knowing, not merely a lack of information.
- Ian Scoones argues we must accept complexity and embrace uncertainty rather than only seek more data.
Respond With Adaptation And Learning
- Use adaptation, improvisation, and learning to navigate uncertain complex systems.
- Engage multiple knowledges including experiential and indigenous knowledge alongside scientific expertise.
Politics Of Control Versus Care
- Politics of control assumes top-down expertise and management will solve uncertainty.
- Scoones contrasts that with a politics of care rooted in relationships, flexibility and distributed deliberation.
