The cultural authority of science is the authority that is granted to science in any particular context. This authority is as much a matter of image and perceived legitimacy as of statutory guarantee. However, while authority can be charismatic, based on tradition or based on competence, we would assume that science aims to be an authority of competence. To what extent does science have the last word, or stand above opinion on public issues?

This Indo-European led collaboration aims to map the cultural authority of science, and to construct a system of indicators to observe this 'science culture' based on artefacts (science news analysis) and espoused beliefs and evaluations (public attitude data). Indeed, through a series of studies the authors examine the cultural authority of science in light of the challenges posed by European, Asian, African and American developments and debates. In particular, two main ideas are examined: the 'Lighthouse' model, whereby science is shining into a stormy sea of ignorance and mistrust; and the 'Bungee Jump' model, which demonstrates how science occasionally experiences a rough ride against a backdrop of goodwill.

Presenting expertise in discourse analysis, computer-assisted text analysis and largescale survey analysis, The Cultural Authority of Science will be of interest to a global audience concerned with the standing of science in society. In particular, it may appeal to scholars and students of fields such as sociology of science, science communication, science studies, scientometrics, innovation studies and social psychology.

About the Author
Martin W Bauer is a Professor of Social Psychology at the Department of Psychology and Behavioural Science, LSE, UK Petra Pansegrau is a Senior Researcher at Bielefeld University, Germany Rajesh Shukla is an applied statistician, currently heading the not-for-profit Indian think tank "People Research on India's Consumer Economy" (PRICE)

Reviews

"It is difficult to overstate the prescience of this book. In short, this is essential reading for anyone studying science communication, public perceptions of science and cultural authority more broadly. [...] The Cultural Authority of Science begins with a brilliant conceptual overview, well-grounded in social scientific theory spanning sociology, political science, science communications, epistemology and ethics. Here, the authors provide the connecting fabric for the set of empirical studies that follow. The empirical research making up the core of the book includes data from every corner of the globe. This contribution is considerable because there is so little research on perceptions of science outside Western Europe and the United States. [...] the book's definition of cultural authority provides a unifying concept for future research spanning disciplinary and methodological boundaries."

Reviewed by: Gordon Gauchat (University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, USA) in Public Understanding of Science

Book Information
ISBN 9780367487027
Author Martin Bauer
Format Paperback
Page Count 394
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 603g