ABSTRACT
The cultural authority of science is the authority that is granted to science in any particular context. This authority is as much a matter of image and perceived legitimacy as of statutory guarantee. However, while authority can be charismatic, based on tradition or based on competence, we would assume that science aims to be an authority of competence. To what extent does science have the last word, or stand above opinion on public issues?
This Indo-European led collaboration aims to map the cultural authority of science, and to construct a system of indicators to observe this ‘science culture’ based on artefacts (science news analysis) and espoused beliefs and evaluations (public attitude data). Indeed, through a series of studies the authors examine the cultural authority of science in light of the challenges posed by European, Asian, African and American developments and debates. In particular, two main ideas are examined: the ‘Lighthouse’ model, whereby science is shining into a stormy sea of ignorance and mistrust; and the ‘Bungee Jump’ model, which demonstrates how science occasionally experiences a rough ride against a backdrop of goodwill.
Presenting expertise in discourse analysis, computer-assisted text analysis and largescale survey analysis, The Cultural Authority of Science will be of interest to a global audience concerned with the standing of science in society. In particular, it may appeal to scholars and students of fields such as sociology of science, science communication, science studies, scientometrics, innovation studies and social psychology.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part 1|2 pages
Concepts and theory
part 2|2 pages
Mediated authority – comparing science news flow
chapter 10|16 pages
The great narrative
part 3|19 pages
Perceived authority – cross-sectional and longitudinal
chapter 11|19 pages
The cultural distance from science and the role of science education in India
chapter 12|20 pages
The science, the paranormal, cohorts and cognitive polyphasia
chapter 14|17 pages
Vaccines Polio and Ebola
chapter 18|21 pages
Public perception of science and technology in Argentina 2003–2015
part 4|2 pages
Inferred assumptions – typifying frames of reference
chapter 22|18 pages
All India attitude to science
part 5|2 pages
Conclusion