'Knowledge'

All day lecture at the GSSI, Thursday 4th June

The lecture focused on the current discourse on government policy making and social problem solving. 'Knowledge' in policy analysis calls for a discussion of the various sources of information on this discourse, and therefore of the multiple methods employed in government policy making. Gelli argued for a revolutionary approach, which is to consider social learning as a method of problem solving. Inquiry and knowledge are social and interactive, and not special skills that can be acquired by social scientists and other experts; they must be discovered and learnt. This is particularly prevalent when, as Dewey observed (1927, The Public and its Problems), 'there is not one public, but a universe of publics'.

I found the discussion about the epistemological analysis of the concept of 'the public interest' very interesting and perhaps relevant to my project. This was not focussed on a wholly Italian context, and therefore trying to place this discussion specifically within the context of L'Aquila was difficult. However, the idea that we should not underestimate ordinary and non-professional knowledge (in this instance related to public policy-making processes, but I think the idea is applicable more generally) is something I wish to take on board throughout my research in L'Aquila, by trying to actively engage with public opinion and acquire local knowledge. Gelli believes that without this kind of knowledge one's capacity to probe problems and learn through action will be compromised. I agree with the idea that it is only through activity and interaction one might be able to understand certain urban issues, as opposed to purely analytical or rational interpretations.

The lecture was given by visiting professor Francesca Gelli, assistant professor of political science at the University of IUAV in Venice. Her main teaching is in policy analysis and public administration.