The fronties of dialogue
“Dialogue” is the trendy word of the moment. The word “dialogue” can be found in the call to access European funding, in the works of Science Communication scholars, in presentations of science education projects, in the mission of new science centres. “Dialogue” is also a word reported by mass media regarding politicians' and scientists' speeches on general issues as well as on local or specific problems such as environment, health, energy, etc... This new magic word is frequently repeated and opens many doors (or perhaps it simply helps to make a good impression). However, there is the risk of ignoring the real meaning and functioning of the word. JCOM is therefore asking a number of experts involved in “dialogue” the following questions: what does it really mean? What are the theoretical principles, the practical opportunities, but also the risks and limits of “dialogue”?
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Invited commentaries
Not in front of the children! The controversies of science and science communication for children and youth
Mar 21, 2008Dialogue in science communication is a necessity - everybody agrees on it - because science and technology issues are involved in so many …
Science musums and science centres are wonderful places to host, support and mediate the dialogue between science and society. In fact, they are …
Dialogue in education
Mar 21, 2008What is the meaning of “dialogue” in education? Why is dialogue important in learning processes? Tran proposes a short review of the literature, …
Dialogue is bliss
Mar 21, 2008The practice of dialogue does not erase the conflicts that can be found upon solid diverging interests. But conflicts are not forcedly a …
Dialogical models in science communication produce effective and satisfactory experiences, also when hard sciences (like astrophysics or cosmology) are concerned. But those efforts …
To give a good public speech is art; but definitely more difficult is to organize a productive exchange of points of views between …