The Paradox of Belief in Science: A Proposal for Reconciliation

The phrase “I believe in science” presents a paradox, blending subjective belief with the evidence-based scientific method. Science is a dynamic, self-correcting process driven by empiricism, falsifiability, and peer review. However, the phrase often reflects trust in institutions rather than direct engagement with the scientific process and its elements. This paper explores how framing science as an iterative process, rather than a set of absolute truths, can improve evidence-based communication. Emphasizing methodology over belief can promote critical engagement with scientific discourse, resolving the paradox and promoting a deeper public understanding of science as an evolving pursuit of knowledge.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Science Communication
Published
2025-06-13
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/10755470251345694
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Climate Change Communication and Perception
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
4.20
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

The Paradox of Belief in Science: A Proposal for Reconciliation

Amarasinghe Arachchige Don Nalin Samandika Saparamadu, Lawrence J. Cheskin, Oshozimhede E Iyalomhe
1 citations
Science Communication
Climate Change Communication and Perception
4.20
article

The Paradox of Belief in Science: A Proposal for Reconciliation

Amarasinghe Arachchige Don Nalin Samandika Saparamadu, Lawrence J. Cheskin, Oshozimhede E Iyalomhe
article en
1 citations

Abstract

The phrase “I believe in science” presents a paradox, blending subjective belief with the evidence-based scientific method. Science is a dynamic, self-correcting process driven by empiricism, falsifiability, and peer review. However, the phrase often reflects trust in institutions rather than direct engagement with the scientific process and its elements. This paper explores how framing science as an iterative process, rather than a set of absolute truths, can improve evidence-based communication. Emphasizing methodology over belief can promote critical engagement with scientific discourse, resolving the paradox and promoting a deeper public understanding of science as an evolving pursuit of knowledge.

Science Communication
University of Maryland, Baltimore (US), Johns Hopkins University (US), George Mason University (US), Johns Hopkins Medicine (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 7%
Climate Change Communication and Perception
4.20
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.