Transforming Science Education in an Age of Misinformation

Abstract

Misinformation and disinformation about science have reached alarming levels. Here, we summarize a recent expert report, Science Education in an Age of Misinformation, that outlines what science education can do to address this problem and, given the urgency, has to do. We highlight the significance of teaching how the social practices of science contribute to establishing a trustworthy consensus and how students should evaluate the credibility of second-hand claims reported in the media or on the internet. We focus on the concepts of epistemic dependence on experts, competent outsiders, credibility, expertise, consensus, deceptive tactics, and science media literacy.

Keywords:

• Misinformation
• Credibility
• Peer review
• Expertise
• Epistemic dependence
• Consensus
• Science media literacy
• Competent outsider

Additional information

Funding

The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.