How cultural evolution can inform the science of science communication—and vice versa

This paper explores the intersection of cultural evolution research and the science of science communication (SSC). It argues that cultural evolution, which studies how cultural traits spread and change in populations, offers a valuable framework for understanding science communication efforts. The paper synthesizes insights from cultural evolution with findings from SSC, highlighting the potential for a consilience between the two fields. It demonstrates how cultural evolution can unify SSC and how, conversely, science communication provides a real-world testing ground for cultural evolutionary theory. The paper also identifies limitations of previous applications of cultural evolution to science communication and concludes with key unanswered questions.

Theiss Bendixen