Responding to Richard: Celebrity and (mis)representation of science

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dc.citation.firstpage535
dc.citation.issueNumber5
dc.citation.journalTitlePublic Understanding of Science
dc.citation.lastpage549
dc.citation.volumeNumber27
dc.contributor.authorJohnson, David R.
dc.contributor.authorEcklund, Elaine Howard
dc.contributor.authorDi, Di
dc.contributor.authorMatthews, Kirstin R.W.
dc.date.accessioned2017-01-30T22:36:08Z
dc.date.available2017-01-30T22:36:08Z
dc.date.issued2018
dc.description.abstractDrawing on 48 in-depth interviews conducted with biologists and physicists at universities in the United Kingdom, this study examines scientists’ perceptions of the role celebrity scientists play in socially contentious public debates. We examine Richard Dawkins’ involvement in public debates related to the relationship between science and religion as a case to analyze scientists’ perceptions of the role celebrity scientists play in the public sphere and the implications of celebrity science for the practice of science communication. Findings show that Dawkins’ proponents view the celebrity scientist as a provocateur who asserts the cultural authority of science in the public sphere. Critics, who include both religious and nonreligious scientists, argue that Dawkins misrepresents science and scientists and reject his approach to public engagement. Scientists emphasize promotion of science over the scientist, diplomacy over derision, and dialogue over ideological extremism.
dc.identifier.citationJohnson, David R., Ecklund, Elaine Howard, Di, Di, et al.. "Responding to Richard: Celebrity and (mis)representation of science." <i>Public Understanding of Science,</i> 27, no. 5 (2018) Sage: 535-549. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963662516673501.
dc.identifier.doihttps://doi.org/10.1177/0963662516673501
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1911/93820
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisherSage
dc.rightsThis is an author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by the authors.
dc.subject.keywordpopularization of science
dc.subject.keywordscience and religion
dc.subject.keywordscience communication
dc.titleResponding to Richard: Celebrity and (mis)representation of science
dc.typeJournal article
dc.type.dcmiText
dc.type.publicationpost-print
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