Science In Public: Communication, Culture, And Credibility

Front Cover
Basic Books, Sep 7, 2000 - Science - 304 pages
Does the general public need to understand science? And if so, is it scientists' responsibility to communicate? Critics have argued that, despite the huge strides made in technology, we live in a "scientifically illiterate" society--one that thinks about the world and makes important decisions without taking scientific knowledge into account. But is the solution to this "illiteracy" to deluge the layman with scientific information? Or does science news need to be focused around specific issues and organized into stories that are meaningful and relevant to people's lives? In this unprecedented, comprehensive look at a new field, Jane Gregory and Steve Miller point the way to a more effective public understanding of science in the years ahead.
 

Contents

Chapter 1
1
Chapter 2
19
Chapter 3
52
Chapter 4
81
Chapter 5
104
Chapter 6
132
Chapter 7
166
Chapter 8
196
Chapter 9
220
Chapter 10
242
References
251
Index
283
Copyright

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About the author (2000)

Jane Gregory is Lecturer in Science and Technology Studies at Birkbeck College, London, and an Honorary Research Fellow at University College, London.

Steve Miller has a Ph.D. in physical chemistry and is currently Reader in Science Communication and Planetary Science at University College, London. Jane Gregory is Lecturer in Science and Technology Studies at Birkbeck College, London, and an Honorary Research Fellow at University College, London.

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