Scientific Literacy and the Competition for Public Attention and Understanding

In: Science communication, Band 20, Heft 1, S. 70-80

Abstract

Specialized knowledge with a claim on the public's attention and understanding can be characterized as topical literacy. Among such literacies, scientific literacy has recently captured significant attention. The author describes three popular perspectives on scientific literacy—science content, how science works, and the impact of science on society—and analyzes their rationales and appropriateness for the task at hand.