Trusting Science Why We Need to Reconsider School Science Teaching

by Kampourakis, Kostas

• ISBN13: 9780197787106
• ISBN10: 019778710X
• eBook ISBN(s): 9780197787120
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2025-05-30
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• More Book Details

Summary

In today's world of social media and information overload, certain science topics related to policy decisions, such as vaccination, ignite controversy. Beyond the usual explanations of science denial and ideological battles lies a deeper issue: a widespread distrust fueled by poor science communication.

Trusting Science: Why We Need to Reconsider School Science Teaching reveals how a lack of understanding of how science is done can result in distrust among those who aren't inherently against science. This book highlights the urgent need for better public education on how science truly works-from gathering evidence and understanding uncertainties to recognizing the role of experts and even the biases scientists may have.

Drawing on historical and contemporary socio-scientific controversies, particularly - but not only - in the realm of vaccination, Dr. Kostas Kampourakis offers insightful solutions to bridge the gap between scientists and the public. By enhancing communication and education, he argues, we can foster a more realistic and appreciative view of science, recognizing both its immense potential and its limitations.

Trusting Science is a must-read for anyone interested in better understanding science and in the future of public trust in science.

Author Biography

Kostas Kampourakis currently works at the University of Geneva, where he teaches courses to undergraduate biology students, PhD students, and science teachers. He is the author and editor of several books about science, with a particular interest in the public understanding of evolution and genetics, as well as the nature of science. He is also the Editor of the book series Understanding Life, published by Cambridge University Press. In the past, he was the editor-in-chief of the journal Science & Education, as well as the founding editor of two book series focusing on science education.