Science and its public relations

pp. 152-163

in: Joseph Agassi, Science and culture, Berlin, Springer, 2003

Abstract

Science is honest. Its Public Relations system is not. Indulgence towards it is an error: it is hard to prevent the deceit common in the public relations of science from spilling over to science itself. The qualified will eventually learn to correct the resultant inaccuracies, but the cost is high.The public relations of science are a complex affair. In charge of it are pro­fessional popularizers of science and ill-fated academics — philosophers and historians and sociologists of science and science education experts and failed scientists. They make exaggerated claims, supposedly to improve the public image of science and thus to serve the public. They undermine the traditional view that science produces autonomous thinking, not persuasion.