Reiss, Michael J;
(2012)
Beliefs and the value of evidence.
In: Gilbert, John K and Stocklmayer, Susan M, (eds.)
Communication and Engagement with Science and Technology: Issues and Dilemmas: A Reader in Science Communication.
(pp. 148-161).
Routledge: Taylor & Francis Group: New York, NY, US.
Preview |
Text
Reiss_Beliefs_and_the_value_of_evidence.pdf - Accepted Version Download (161kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Science, above all, is about the production and testing of empirically grounded theories that have objective validity and generate knowledge which is of value both for enhancing our understanding of the material world and for enabling us to control and harness aspects of it. Such a straightforward notion, though, led almost inevitably to the deficit model of misunderstandings of science which, while rejected in the science communication community (Holliman et al., 2009), continues to be the first port of call for many scientists and for the general public alike. At the same time, the continuing influence of religion on public life has led many in the science community to seek to distance science from religion. A common refrain among such scientists is to state that belief has no part in science, being instead a peculiar and unimpressive element of the religious life (e.g. Dawkins, 2006). The theory of evolution provides a distinctive stage on which to investigate the importance of belief in science. By examining why some individuals find the scientific consensus concerning evolution attractive while others reject it so decisively, one can study the extent to which objective evidence is sufficient to persuade people of the truth of the standard scientific account. My intention is to produce an analysis that benefits all those concerned with science communication about evolution in today’s diverse societies whether in schools, in science museums or in religious settings.
| Type: | Book chapter |
|---|---|
| Title: | Beliefs and the value of evidence |
| ISBN-13: | 9780203807521 |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| DOI: | 10.4324/9780203807521 |
| Publisher version: | https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203807521 |
| Additional information: | This version is the author-accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions. |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education > IOE - Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1562981 |
Archive Staff Only
 |
View Item |
