Cinema and the scientific imaginary

Abstract

The article examines some of the ties between science and cinema, for example, how movies can serve as a tool of observation, as teaching material in the field of science, and especially as a means of expressing and shaping the social imaginary of science. To this end, it takes up a conceptual discussion of the notions of 'imaginary' and 'social representation'. It also endeavors to sketch a differentiation between types of movies and to summarize some analyses of images of scientific practice and stereotypes of scientists. Although there are challenges in evaluating how movies have influenced the scientific imaginary, the study of this topic is important to the history of science.