Fiducia, reputazione sociale e visibilità degli esperti

Abstract

In the information society and in the complexity that is one of the distinctive features of modernity, the public role of experts has increased considerably. Engineers, doctors, jurists or politicians are increasingly called upon to talk about issues of public relevance. In this historical-cultural context, experts are inclined to undertake public communication activities. In this contribution we focus attention on a particular type of expert, that is scientists and researchers. In fact, the next few years will see universities and research centers involved in the challenge represented by the Third Mission. There are many reasons for engaging in public activities, from the pedagogical will to literate the population to science to the need to respond to new career criteria. The public exhibition of the experts is interpreted, in this contribution, in the light of two important sociological aspects: that of social “reputation” and the concept of “trust”. Starting from the results of a research carried out in the context of the European Researchers’ Night, elements are provided to include the role of the expertise in the public scene within a conceptual framework that can encourage future reflection on the public role of the experts.