Implications of Science and Communication Discourse Today

Author: Nicole Olynk Widmar, Associate Head and Professor, Purdue University, Department of Agricultural Economics and Candace Croney, Associate Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging & Director of the Center for Animal Welfare Science, Purdue University

There may be no more obvious example of where science is rejected in public debate than in the COVID-19 pandemic-era. “If we’re paying attention to anything happening in the public sphere today, we know that there is a problem at the interface between scientific conversation and public conversation,” said Dr. Candace Croney. The pandemic illustrates a perfect example of when science and public discussion part ways and the entire situation becomes extremely contentious.

This discussion of science and communication of science has been ongoing on Consumer Corner. No Offense, But… questioned our language (and maybe even our intentions) in communication, and by the end of 2020 we were begging for progress regardless of the fact that consensus was not within reach (and likely not going to be anytime soon). Communication is far from a paved highway … it’s more like a rocky rangeland to be navigated with care. Thus, we continue our theme of delving into effective communication on socially charged topics, including knowing when to stop and keeping our communications focused on what was actually asked for.

Ultimately, we need both science and values. Science can answer some really important questions. There is an ethics problem embedded in every animal welfare question — this ultimately centers around what quality of life an animal should have. But given we are talking about what ‘should’ happen or exist, one must acknowledge that there are values and viewpoints embedded here with respect to what ‘should’ be acceptable. “But what science cannot answer is what is the acceptable quality of life for the pig in this system?” – Dr. Candace Croney, April 6, 2022 in the Consumer Corner Micro-Course Consumer-Driven Changes in Ag Market Channels.

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