Science of the People Understanding and Using Science in Everyday Contexts

"This book is about demotic science, that is the science 'of the people', in somewhat the same way as democracy is about being ruled 'by the people', but there are substantial differences. People often define democracy simply and memorably as 'one person - one vote'. That is based on a profound sense of the equality of individuals: but it is easy to see that there may well be a great difference when it comes to people's scientific knowledge which cannot be defined by any voting mechanism. The demotic science of people is that science that they believe they know, and use in discussion. Chapters include: - An Approach to Ethics and Action - Risk - Interpretation and Change - Scientific Literacy in Post-Modern Space and Time This book is essential reading for those involved in Science education and educational policy"--