Arts & Ideas The status of Science
Oct 10, 2025
Hannah Devlin, science correspondent for The Guardian; Adam Rutherford, geneticist and broadcaster; Dr. Sandra Knapp, botanist at the Natural History Museum; Dr. Dafydd Mills Daniel, theologian specializing in 17th-century science; and Nick Spencer, author on science and religion, discuss the evolving role of science in society. They explore issues like public trust, ethical dilemmas in modern science, and the legacy of eugenics. The conversation delves into how historical contexts shaped scientific authority and the need for greater public engagement in ethical discussions.
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Trust Varies By Topic And Region
- Trust in science varies by topic and region rather than collapsing universally.
- Surveys show scientists remain relatively trusted compared with other professions in the UK.
Social Media Amplifies Dissent
- Social media has radically changed how scientific dissenting voices get amplified.
- This amplification can make fringe or ill-informed claims seem equivalent to expert opinion.
Science Offers Models, Not Proof
- The public often expects certainty from science though science offers models and evolving evidence.
- Scientists communicate provisional conclusions as 'the best evidence we have' which clashes with public expectations.
