Cultural Authority of Science

<p>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? </p><p>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. </p><p>Presenting expertise in discourse analysis computer-assisted text analysis and largescale survey analysis<i> The Cultural Authority of Science</i> 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.</p>