Discursive constructions of epistemic authority and boundary-work in a state-sponsored Turkish popular science magazine

This study examined the discursive construction of epistemic authority of science in a state-supported popular science magazine, in the face of the challenges posed by the post-truth era. The research analyzed how science constructs and negotiates legitimacy through boundary-work and expertise typologies within the relationship among scientists, the state, and citizens. The magazine's discourse appeared to reinforce scientific certainty and privilege through institutional authorization, methodological rationalization, and state-science alignment. The findings showed science integrated into the national narrative is positioned beyond a technical field as a vehicle for moral and collective responsibility. This reveals a multi-layered legitimization process where the magazine negotiates political priorities while preserving autonomy.