How to Talk to a Science Denier: A Reading List

Lee McIntyre: “In this brief article, the eminent historian of science Naomi Oreskes provides a bit-sized version of her masterful 2010 book, Merchants of Doubt. Here she argues that modern science denial all began when a group of tobacco executives sat down with a public relations expert at the Plaza Hotel in New York City in the 1950s and decided to ‘fight the science’ that linked smoking and cancer. All subsequent denialist campaigns since then have followed this blueprint.”

LM: “This article describes the latest cutting edge research from Cornelia Betsch and Philipp Schmid, who discovered the first empirical evidence to show that you can talk someone out of their denialist beliefs. And you don’t need to be a scientist to do it. The original study is fascinating and worthwhile, but a tougher read. Start here.”

LM: “Do not start this video until you are ready to watch it straight through. Turn off the phone. Unplug the iron. Shut off the faucet. You won’t be back until you're done.”

LM: “You think vaccines are important for physical health? This author shows that we can and must also vaccinate our minds against virulent ideas… like vaccine denial itself. For more on this fascinating topic, grab Andy Norman’s new book, Mental Immunity.”

LM: “This article came out at the very beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, when vaccines were still half a year away, but the advice is superb. Show respect, listen, remain calm. That’s how you convince people. It’s about trust, not just facts.”

LM: “Before the Covid crisis hit, anti-vaxx was already a thing. In southern Washington state there was an outbreak of measles, and Gov. Jay Inslee sent public health officials there to talk to people, one on one. It worked.”

LM: “Daryl Davis is an amazing example of someone who can talk others out of extremist beliefs using calm, patience, and respect — and he’s been doing it for over twenty years. Davis is an African American blues musician who has talked 200 Ku Klux Klan members into giving up their beliefs! As a mark of their conversion, they also give him their robes. If he can do that, you can talk to your uncle Frank at Thanksgiving about why he should get his covid shot.”

LM: “In this book, Mick West gives some great practical advice, rooted in a deep understanding of how conspiracy theorists think. From Flat Earth to lizard people to chem trails, if they cherry pick facts, rely on conspiracy theories, and cite fake experts, this book will tell you how to make sense of it. Or not.”

LM: “Shermer is the pioneer of good practical advice on how to talk to people when facts aren’t working. Everyone who has written on this subject since then owes him a big debt.”

LM: “Listen to this fascinating talk by Mark Lynas, one of the founders of anti-GMO activism — which included burning crops and vandalizing farmers’ equipment — on his scientific conversion to supporting genetically modified foods… for which there have been no credible empirical studies showing that they are unsafe to eat.”

LM: “Don’t know where to find the facts on the internet to push back against climate denialist claims about global warming? This website is your one stop shopping center.”

LM: “An interactive chatbot guide by one of the pioneers in talking people into taking their shots. You enter the ‘but what if they say’ and it tells you ‘this is what to say.’”

LM: “An essential resource on how to understand, and fight back against, science deniers, especially on climate change. A wealth of practical information by two of the most eminent cognitive scientists in the field.”

LM: “Stuck for practical advice? You already know the facts, but not how to get them across? This easy-to-read guidebook is just the thing for you.”

LM: “Hear from a former anti-vaxxer about what brought her to give up her beliefs. Surprise, it was trust and patience. Are you noticing a theme here?”