Ad Hominem Arguments, Rhetoric, and Science Communication
Abstract In this paper, I contend that evidence-focused strategies of science communication may be complemented by possibly more effective rhetorical arguments in current public debates on vaccines. I analyse the case of direct science communication - that is, communication of evidence - and show that it is difficult to effectively communicate evidential standards of science in the presence of well-equipped anti-science movements. Instead, I argue that effective rhetorical tools involve ad hominem strategies, that is, arguments involving claims of expertise. I provide a rationale, and sketch a methodology, for using ad hominem arguments in science communication.
2016 ◽
Vol 27
(5)
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pp. 535-549
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2021 ◽
Vol 118
(15)
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pp. e2002484118
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2008 ◽
Vol 36
(3)
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pp. 485-490
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2013 ◽
Vol 25
(1)
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pp. 1-2
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Keyword(s):