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Is science skepticism really about science?

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  • Simon Fuglsang
  • Lucilla Losi

Abstract

Despite the recent rise in public and academic concern, science skepticism remains ill-defined. This paper sets out to further our understanding of science skepticism and to inform both academic research and policymaking. Departing from a review of the academic literature on conceptualizations of science skepticism, we employ Eurobarometer 2021 data to explore the characteristics of people holding skeptical attitudes concerning climate change and evolution. Replicating prior findings, we observe minor variations across sociodemographic characteristics. Moreover, science skepticism relates to general science attitudes in a nonuniform manner within and across issues, and interest in and engagement with science are nonuniformly related to skepticism. Furthermore, science skepticism is inconsistent in its relationship to both attitudes and relationships with science across contexts. Based on the heterogeneous nature of skepticism(s), we argue that research and policy should be careful in approaching science skepticism as a general negative predisposition toward science.

Suggested Citation

  • Simon Fuglsang & Lucilla Losi, 2025. "Is science skepticism really about science?," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 51(6), pages 1133-1142.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:scippl:v:51:y:2025:i:6:p:1133-1142.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/scipol/scae057
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