Between understanding and trust

Author: (German) Dierks
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2006-01-01
Features: "Between Understanding and Trust" provides a brilliant summary of the unresolved issues in the field of public understanding of science and public attitudes toward science. It should enable scientists, and more importantly, politicians, not to support the simplistic portrayal of global warming and international competition. —Professor Martin Pfaff, Member of the German Bundestag, Director of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned veteran, "Between Understanding and Trust" is an essential guide to understanding the current state of the field. —Professor Richard Topf, Director of the European Survey Research Institute "Between Understanding and Trust" is a comprehensive and informative work for this rapidly growing field of research. This study is destined to shape the perception of science and technology in the 21st century. —Professor Helga Nowotny, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology This timely and comprehensive book, with both critical and constructive elements, marks a turning point in the future interactions between the public, science, and technology. All those interested in science and technology policy, as well as its implications and outcomes, will find this book of great interest. —Professor Paolo Fasella, Former Director of the Directorate-General for Science, Research and Development, European Commission The book is highly acclaimed. The field of public understanding of science is fraught with many issues. What does "understanding" mean? How can understanding be transformed into attitudes toward science and trust in scientists? What role do mass media play? The chapters in this book clearly present these questions, offering profound insights that help us determine the significance of future research plans. —Professor Dorothy Nelkin, New York University This is a collection of reflections and critiques by scholars from abroad on public understanding of science and surveys of citizens' scientific literacy and attitudes. It holds significant value for both the theory and practice of science communication in China. The authors come from diverse fields such as sociology, communication studies, and STS, with varying academic backgrounds. They approach the issues of public understanding of science from perspectives such as the history of science and technology, technological sociology, risk research, technology assessment, risk foresight, risk communication, and media analysis. Using the concept of public understanding of science, they provide reflective answers to questions about the relationship between the public and science and technology, as well as the issues of understanding and trust. The book includes theoretical discussions, empirical research, and case studies. For Chinese academia, this book is not only a valuable resource but also a significant catalyst for change. It is particularly valuable for researchers and practitioners engaged in theoretical and practical research on science communication, as well as scholars in the fields of philosophy of science, sociology of science, and communication studies.