Lee McIntyre - How to Talk to a Science Denier

The speaker discusses their journey in understanding science denial, starting with their book 'The Scientific Attitude' and leading to attending the Flat Earth International Conference. They explore cognitive patterns common among science deniers, emphasizing the importance of empathy and respectful engagement. The pandemic posed challenges for face-to-face research, but the speaker concludes that trust, rather than facts, is key to addressing science denial.

What motivated the speaker to attend the Flat Earth International Conference?

• To prove flat Earthers wrong

• To understand science denial in practice

• To promote their book

• To find new research partners

According to the speaker, what is a common trait among science deniers?

• They are open to all evidence

• They rely on fake experts

• They have a strong scientific background

• They avoid conspiracy theories

What approach does the speaker suggest when engaging with science deniers?

• Ignore their beliefs

• Confront them aggressively

• Provide them with scientific papers

• Show empathy and respect

What challenge did the speaker face while writing their book during the pandemic?

• Difficulty in finding a publisher

• Inability to conduct face-to-face research

• Lack of access to scientific data

• Limited time for writing

What did the speaker ultimately learn about science denial?

• It is impossible to change someone's mind

• It is mainly driven by political beliefs

• It is primarily about a lack of education

• It is more about trust than facts