Misreading Science in the Twentieth Century

Abstract

Instances of fraud and misconduct in science, along with debates regarding the nature of science and scientific practice, have led to some challenges in the reading of scientific texts. Applying the frameworks of reception theory and reader-response criticism is helpful in understanding the variations in the readings of the texts, as well as the reasons for the differing readings. The textual aspect of scientific communication illustrates both the realist and the social elements of scientific practice and the problems for reception presented by the complex dynamics of communicating scientific work.