Heads in the clouds: knowledge democracy as a Utopian dream

摘要: Knowledge democracy serves as an inspiring new vision for the relationship between knowledge production and use, to replace old discarded speaking truth power information deficit models. However, a closer look at what is envisioned makes it clear that has problematic Utopian character. based on technocratic scientific ideals complemented with governance participation ideals. It refers society empowered, competent citizens public actors who: (1) have unrestricted access information; (2) contribute its and/or assessment (3) utilise make informed rational decisions. This chapter uses two examples in environmental (the Water Framework Directive sustainability certification) argue – been demonstrated many other Utopia putting into practice may undesirable anti-democratic implications.