public controversy 公共争论；公共争议

〈美〉指涉及公开讨论事宜、并对未参与讨论者产生实质性影响的争论。在因公共争论引发的诽谤案中，该争论的参加者可被作为公众人物〔public figure〕，其必须证明被告有实际的恶意〔actual malice〕。个人卷入某一公共争论的性质和程度取决于三个因素：1.参与此争论的自愿程度；2.为抵制虚假陈述，对有效的交流渠道的利用程度；3.在此争论中发挥作用的显著性。

Most public controversy, whether or not related to science, arises from the conflicting concerns of individuals and organizations. Controversy can be rooted in differing beliefs and values; personal, political, social, and economic interests; fears; and moral and ethical considerations—all of which are central to decisions and typically subject to public debate. When scientific evidence is relevant to a contentious issue, informing the public about it is critical. It is important to realize, however, that even if the science is clear, people may already understand it but still disagree agree with its implications. Some people, for instance, may recognize the benefit of a new technology but believe it is not worth its risks or judge its use to be ethically questionable.