Editorial: Reflections on post-normal science and ethics

Abstract

This special issue on Post-normal Science and Ethics brings together a collection of theoretical and practice-oriented contributions that explore the ethical dimensions of science in post-normal times. Rooted in reflections presented at a virtual symposium in 2020 and a subsequent in-person gathering in Barcelona in 2021, the issue interrogates how ethics underpins post-normal science (PNS), particularly when addressing complex, uncertain, and high-stakes societal challenges. With contributions from senior scholars and emerging voices, the volume offers both foundational perspectives and case-based insights into how extended peer communities, epistemic justice, and the TRUST ethos shape responsible knowledge-making. In addition to theoretical deep dives into ethical aspects and values of PNS, the issue includes applied studies ranging from sustainability workshops to participatory ethics dialogues and educational innovations. Rather than presenting a unified doctrine, these ten papers collectively offer plural reflections on the evolving role of science in governance, advocating for a more inclusive, reflexive, and ethically committed approach to science-policy interfaces. Together, they suggest that ethics is not a peripheral concern but a core element in the pursuit of quality and legitimacy in science for post-normal times.