Zeynep Pamuk

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Zeynep Pamuk is a political theorist whose research lies at the intersection of science, technology, and democratic governance. Her work examines how societies should manage scientific uncertainty and the political implications of emerging technologies. In her widely discussed paper "Risk and Fear: Restricting Science under Uncertainty" (2020), Pamuk tackles the contentious question of whether research into potentially catastrophic technologies—such as autonomous weapons or geoengineering—should be restricted. She dissects the slippery-slope logic behind calls for moratoriums, arguing that decisions to halt research must grapple with the very uncertainty that makes these technologies dangerous. While her citation count is still growing, Pamuk’s work has quickly established her as a vital voice in debates about science policy and democratic accountability. Her contributions are particularly notable for bridging abstract political theory with urgent real-world dilemmas, forcing scholars and policymakers alike to confront how fear and risk shape the boundaries of permissible inquiry. Pamuk’s research is essential reading for anyone interested in the politics of science, technology regulation, and the ethics of precaution.