Transparency in search of a theory. (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fenster, Mark
• Editors: Hansen, Hans Krause; Christensen, Lars Thøger; Flyverbom, Mikkel
• Is Part Of: European journal of social theory. Volume 18:Number 2(2015:May)
• Page Start: 150
• Page End: 167
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: communication theory -- information theory -- open government -- secrecy -- transparency; Social sciences -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; 301.01
• DOI: 10.1177/1368431014555257
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4310

Abstract

Transparency's importance as an administrative norm seems self-evident. Prevailing ideals of political theory stipulate that the more visible government is, the more democratic, accountable, and legitimate it appears. The disclosure of state information consistently disappoints, however: there is never enough of it, while it often seems not to produce a truer democracy, a more accountable state, better policies, and a more contented populace. This gap between theory and practice suggests that the theoretical assumptions that provide the basis for transparency are wrong. This article argues that transparency is best understood as a theory of communication that excessively simplifies and thus is blind to the complexities of the contemporary state, government information, and the public. Taking them fully into account, the article argues, should lead us to question the state's ability to control information, which in turn should make us question not only the improbability of the state making itself visible, but also the improbability of the state keeping itself secret.