Depicting Science in a Public Debate: The Philippine Legal Challenge Against GMO Eggplant

Authors

Inez Z. Ponce de Leon, Ateneo de Manila UniversityFollow
Pamela A. Custodio, University of the Philippines Los Banos
Clarissa David, University of the Philippines DilimanFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-13-2019

Abstract

In 2015, the Philippine Supreme Court ruled against the field testing of Bt eggplant, a genetically modified crop. This decision was covered extensively in the local press, forcing scientists to defend their research. We used qualitative, inductive analysis to examine how three news outlets constructed science in their coverage of the issue. We found that science was constructed through four themes: science searched for proof, absolute consensus had to be reached, the characteristics of scientific inquiry are used to discredit scientists, and science is aware of its logical limits. These findings have implications for the public acceptance of innovations.

Recommended Citation

Ponce de Leon, I. Z., Custodio, P. A., & David, C. (2019). Depicting Science in a Public Debate: The Philippine Legal Challenge Against GMO Eggplant. Science Communication, 41(3), 291-313.