Trusting Science: Why We Need to Reconsider School Science Teaching

By Kostas Kampourakis

In today's world of social media and information overload, certain science topics related to policy decisions, such as vaccination, ignite controversy. Beyond the usual explanations of science denial and ideological battles lies a deeper issue: a widespread distrust fueled by poor science communication.

Trusting Science: Why We Need to Reconsider School Science Teaching reveals how a lack of understanding of how science is done can result in distrust among those who aren't inherently against science. This book highlights the urgent need for better public education on how science truly works-from gathering evidence and understanding uncertainties to recognizing the role of experts and even the biases scientists may have.

Drawing on historical and contemporary socio-scientific controversies, particularly - but not only - in the realm of vaccination, Dr. Kostas Kampourakis offers insightful solutions to bridge the gap between scientists and the public. By enhancing communication and education, he argues, we can foster a more realistic and appreciative view of science, recognizing both its immense potential and its limitations.

Trusting Science is a must-read for anyone interested in better understanding science and in the future of public trust in science.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 019778710X
• ISBN13: 9780197787106
• Release Date: May 2025
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 248 Pages