Scientific Knowledge vs. Knowledge of Science

Abstract How is knowledge pertaining to science best transferred the public in order bolster support for science-based policy and governance, thereby serving common good? Herein lies a well-recognized challenge: widespread arguably requires understanding of itself, but this naturally undermined by inherent complexities sciences, disparities teaching popular reporting. A reaction has been champion educational reform produce broader scientific literacy, prevailing conceptions this, I argue, are misconceived. consider an account “knowledge transfer”—a practice whereby “transferred” between different contexts use—to illuminate why some transfers successful others not, thus, conventional appeals literacy bound be ineffective producing that serves societal wellbeing. As alternative, principal focus, what required form philosophical regarding science, amounting particular claim “Whatever natural may specialist, purposes it conditions human action” (Dewey, 1916, p. 128).