The Undemocratic Mandate of Economic Expertise

Abstract: This thesis investigates a pattern of co-production within the field of science and technology studies as it applies to economic ideas and events of the 20th century. The intellectual traditions of Keynesian social liberalism and neoliberalism are traced historically. The economic crises of the 1970s, which highlighted the differences between said traditions, are described. An analysis follows in which a partly original framework of theories is tested. The underlying theme is the proper division of science and politics in a democratic society, especially in relation to the problem of biased and undemocratic expertise.