4. Hype, argumentation, and scientific dissemination

Abstract

In this chapter, I examine the worry that media hype about scientific findings risks undermining public trust in science. Using the example of the seemingly exaggerated media coverage of a recent research finding concerning the effects of global climate change on the habitability of cities in the Middle East, I argue that making sense of this worry requires us to take seriously the value judgements involved in calling such coverage ‘hype’. I argue that it is judgements of credibility (who and what one ought to believe) that are put into crisis by science hype and consider a few possible approaches to resolving this crisis.