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.