Science and the Public

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.