348
Views
6
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Articles

Competing Truths

Epistemic authority in popular science books on human sexuality

Pages 283-294 | Published online: 17 Feb 2014
 

Abstract

The article examines the rhetorical strategies through which popular science books written by scientists participate in epistemic controversies. The analysis focuses on two books, Niles Eldredge’s Why We Do It and Nancy Etcoff’s Survival of the Prettiest, which address the debate about the evolution of human nature and sexuality. Although the books differ radically in their arguments, they appropriate similar textual strategies in order to negotiate epistemic authority. Both books engage in ‘boundary work’ by appropriating dichotomies such as science versus politics, true versus false Darwinism, and linguistic clarity versus inaccessibility. The article argues that it is this potential for large-scale boundary work that renders popular science books appealing rhetorical tools for those wishing to participate in cultural debates about science.

Log in via your institution

Log in to Taylor & Francis Online

PDF download + Online access

  • 48 hours access to article PDF & online version
  • Article PDF can be downloaded
  • Article PDF can be printed
USD 53.00 Add to cart

Issue Purchase

  • 30 days online access to complete issue
  • Article PDFs can be downloaded
  • Article PDFs can be printed
USD 301.00 Add to cart

* Local tax will be added as applicable

Related Research

People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read.

Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine.

Cited by lists all citing articles based on Crossref citations.
Articles with the Crossref icon will open in a new tab.