Science communication: towards a theory of scientific disclosure

Abstract

This text is a proposal of a perspective and of a reference table for examination and comprehension of the problem of public science communication. Certain disciplinary dimensions are suggested to point out the differences between the inter-peers discussion (primary communication) of science and the public discussion of public science communication (secondary communication). Using these dimensions one develops a multidisciplinary matrix that shows how some issues and obstacles for public communication science can emerge and be construed more as necessary structural divergences between these two discussions, now seen as different “professional styles”, instead of only “dysfunctions”, circumstantial pressures or pointed differences between scientists and disclosure agents. This construal will certainly improve the mutual understanding between scientists and journalists.