Back to Search Start Over

How to take non-knowledge seriously, or “the unexpected virtue of ignorance”.

Authors :
Nielsen, Kristian H.
Sørensen, Mads P.
Source :
Public Understanding of Science; Apr2017, Vol. 26 Issue 3, p385-392, 8p
Publication Year :
2017

Abstract

This commentary argues that we need to take ignorance and non-knowledge seriously in the fields of science communication and public understanding of science. As much as we want ignorance to disappear, it seems that it is here to stay—in the sciences and in the rest of society. Drawing on the vast but scattered literature on ignorance and non-knowledge, we suggest that paying closer attention to these phenomena could be beneficial for science communicators. Despite the fact that ignorance and non-knowledge, just like knowledge, today are highly politicized fields, they may also open up for new lines of inquiry and may be key to more pluralistic and equal democratic deliberation about science and technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
09636625
Volume :
26
Issue :
3
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Public Understanding of Science
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
122467164
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/0963662515600967