Perspectives on Science and Culture

“This is a fascinating interdisciplinary collection exploring the tensions between what C. P. Snow famously called the 'two cultures' of science and the humanities, at the same time very positively showing how themes and methods from philosophy, history, literature studies, and much more can lead to a deeper understanding both of science and of the culture that produced it. It is very well worth reading.” —Michael Ruse, Lucyle T. Werkmeister Professor and Director of HPS Program: Florida State University

“Public (mis)understanding of science plays an increasingly important role, with widespread misconceptions regarding vaccines, climate change, evolution, or GMOs leading to misguided political actions. In Perspectives on Science and Culture, the editors have assembled a rich set of chapters in order to better grasp the factors that shape public understanding of science. The book's strength lies in drawing on a very diverse set of traditions, from literary analysis to cognitive science. In doing so, the editors demonstrate that putting aside the culture war between science and the humanities, while often still difficult, is a worthwhile effort.” —Hugo Mercier, CNRS Researcher: Institut des Sciences Cognitives - Marc Jeannerod

"In these allegedly postfactual times, it is important to accentuate that the so-called facts have always been made by humans. Whatever science is, it is always also culture. Science does not only shape culture, but it is also shaped by culture.

"This multidisciplinary book with its multiple voices is useful reading for anyone interested in the relations of complicated scientific debates and their popular representations. Its case studies open up new perspectives on how scientific research struggles to find justification in these ages allegedly characterized by faltering trust in the so-called facts." —Mikko Lehtonen, Professor of Media Culture: University of Tampere

“Rutten, Blancke, and Soetaert's volume is a wonderful achievement. Drawing together scholars of rhetoric, culture, cognitive science, and epistemology, each chapter offers intriguing insights into the discourse structures, cultural representations, and psychological tendencies that can impede public understanding of science. In an age where ignorance about the science of anthropogenic climate change and evolution grows ever more costly, this important volume could not be more timely. Its clarion call for consilience between the sciences and humanities is profoundly welcome." —Deborah Kelemen, Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences: Boston University

"The editors have selected a good range of articles and topics, with each section of the book devoted to the ways science is (1) represented and framed in public discourse (on TV, in fiction, by the media) from narrative and rhetorical perspectives; (2) how popular representations of scientific thinking shape popular understanding and reception of science (cognitive perspectives); and (3) an epistemology grounded in culture and history that evolves as new paradigms gain rhetorical power in shaping people's beliefs (philosophical perspectives).

"It is a tall order to peer through the many disguises science wears in public, but this volume does an excellent job of achieving this purpose in a relatively concise way. The book includes some of the leading voices in the rhetoric of science, with each taking the time to explain the basis for the assertion that popular science is rhetorical, which will give the collection a warm reception from those who teach it in upper-level college courses.

"This book will extend important conversations about public/popular representations of science, which these days can be highly politicized also, especially with respect to the subject of climate change." —David Blakesley, Campbell Chair in Technical Communication: Clemson University