
Science and the Public
Angela Potochnik(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Published on 25. April 2024
Book
Paperback/Softback
84 pages
978-1-009-04882-8 (ISBN)
Description
Science is a product of society: in its funding, its participation, and its application. This Element explores the relationship between science and the public with resources from philosophy of science. Chapter 1 defines the questions about science's relationship to the public and outlines science's obligation to the public. Chapter 2 considers the Vienna Circle as a case study in how science, philosophy, and the public can relate very differently than they do at present. Chapter 3 examines how public understanding of science can have a variety of different goals and introduces philosophical discussions of scientific understanding as a resource. Chapter 4 addresses public trust in science, including responding to science denial. Chapter 5 considers how expanded participation in science can contribute to public trust of science. Finally, Chapter 6 casts light on how science might discharge its obligations to the public.
Reviews / Votes
'... offers a comprehensive and nuanced examination of the intricate relationship between science and society. Potochnik's positions and vision are distinguished by several elements that set her work apart from traditional approaches - especially by established actors in the field of philosophy of science.' Dana Mahr, Journal for Technology Assessment in Theory and Practice '... this book is a well-structured entry- to intermediate-level reference for those seeking a broad overview of the philosophical questions surrounding the relationship between science and the public. It offers a theoretical framework of public engagement and citizen science as ways of making the public an insider to scientific research. I found it an interesting read and would recommend it to students, philosophers, social scientists, scientists, and those in interface support roles who have an interest in the topic. It is likely to provoke many good discussions.' Cristina Lagido, Metascience 'I would highly recommend this book to philosophers of science, natural scientists, and science communicators interested in issues of values in science and the science-society interface. It discusses contemporary values in science, such as dissent and diversity, from an innovative and enriching perspective, and it articulates a clear mandate for philosophers of science, scientists and related fields.' Ann-Christin Fischer, Journal for General Philosophy of ScienceMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight
122 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-009-04882-8 (9781009048828)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Angela Potochnik
Science and the Public
Book
04/2024
Cambridge University Press
€78.00
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Content
1. Introduction; 2. The Vienna circle: A different model of philosophy, science, and the public; 3. Public understanding of science; 4. Public trust in science; 5. Participation in science; 6. Science in service to the public; References.