Commentary: Communicating Science

Abstract

Understanding scientific concepts does not come easily to Americans, who nevertheless enjoy tremendous benefits because of scientific progress. The average citizen has a need to know more about scientific concepts to participate in the ongoing dialogue about everything from the cloning of Dolly (the sheep), to the possible entitlement of prescription drug coverage for senior citizens, to the way the Internet is changing the American way of life. Language sets up our framework for understanding, and awareness of the politics embodied in the three origins of the English language is the key to explaining scientific concepts more clearly. Because of an ancient cultural struggle, English is unusual among Indo-European languages in its way of “knowing,” a core concept of science. To enter our minds, scientists must remember our hearts.

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