The role of popular science writing in public engagement with science

摘要

This study analyzes the rhetorical situations created by popular science texts. In order to understand how these texts position the scientific and public spheres in relation to one another, the study develops two models of science popularization. One, the deficit model, characterizes science popularization as a one-way flow of information from the scientific sphere to an ignorant public. The other, the public engagement (PE) model, characterizes science popularization in more complex terms that consider factors such as the existence of nonscientific forms of expertise, and the reciprocal influence of society and science.;The study uses these models to analyze three facets of the rhetorical situation. First it examines how writers represent science in society; next it considers how texts position readers in relation to science through use of stases and of forensic, deliberative, and epideictic rhetoric; and finally it looks at how writers represent themselves in relation to science (ethos) and readers (persona).;The study suggests that popular science texts can do justice to the complexities of science while also making scientific knowledge accessible to the public, and it recommends using textual strategies that encourage public engagement with science.