Kiristar
Senior Member (Voting Rights)
I came across this handy summary on Facebook today and thought of this group....
"How to spot a science denier – and how to talk to them.
Science denial follows predictable patterns. Whether it’s climate change, vaccines, or evolution, the same flawed arguments appear again and again.
Understanding these five common techniques can help you recognize – and counter – science denial when you see it:
Fake Experts: Using unqualified people to challenge real experts. (Think: “This blogger says vaccines are dangerous!” A blogger claiming vaccines are dangerous isn’t the same as a virologist who has spent decades studying)
Misrepresentation & Logical Fallacies: Twisting data, using false comparisons, or making emotional appeals instead of factual arguments.
Impossible Expectations: Demanding 100% certainty before accepting scientific conclusions. (Science is always refining, not absolute.)
Cherry-Picking: Highlighting a single study or data point that contradicts the overwhelming scientific consensus, ignoring the full body of evidence.
Conspiracy Theories: Claiming scientists are hiding “the truth” for profit or control. If every major scientific institution in the world agrees on something, the idea that they are all conspiring together is far less likely than the possibility that the evidence is simply strong.
So, how do you talk to someone who denies science? First, stay calm and ask questions. Engaging respectfully encourages critical thinking rather than defensiveness. Finding common ground – whether it’s a shared value or concern – can also open the door for real conversation. When explaining scientific concepts, simple and clear language is far more effective than overwhelming someone with jargon. And never underestimate the power of storytelling. People connect with narratives more than numbers.
Not every discussion will change a mind, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t always to convince the most stubborn deniers but to reach those who are still open to learning. "
Science denial follows predictable patterns. Whether it’s climate change, vaccines, or evolution, the same flawed arguments appear again and again.
Understanding these five common techniques can help you recognize – and counter – science denial when you see it:
Fake Experts: Using unqualified people to challenge real experts. (Think: “This blogger says vaccines are dangerous!” A blogger claiming vaccines are dangerous isn’t the same as a virologist who has spent decades studying) Misrepresentation & Logical Fallacies: Twisting data, using false comparisons, or making emotional appeals instead of factual arguments. Impossible Expectations: Demanding 100% certainty before accepting scientific conclusions. (Science is always refining, not absolute.) Cherry-Picking: Highlighting a single study or data point that contradicts the overwhelming scientific consensus, ignoring the full body of evidence. Conspiracy Theories: Claiming scientists are hiding “the truth” for profit or control. If every major scientific institution in the world agrees on something, the idea that they are all conspiring together is far less likely than the possibility that the evidence is simply strong.So, how do you talk to someone who denies science? First, stay calm and ask questions. Engaging respectfully encourages critical thinking rather than defensiveness. Finding common ground – whether it’s a shared value or concern – can also open the door for real conversation. When explaining scientific concepts, simple and clear language is far more effective than overwhelming someone with jargon. And never underestimate the power of storytelling. People connect with narratives more than numbers.
Not every discussion will change a mind, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t always to convince the most stubborn deniers but to reach those who are still open to learning. "
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