How to Talk to a Science Denier

Conversations with Flat Earthers, Climate Deniers, and Others Who Defy Reason

By: Lee McIntyre

Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer

Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

"Climate change is a hoax - and so is coronavirus." "Vaccines are bad for you." These days, many of our fellow citizens reject scientific expertise and prefer ideology to facts. They are not merely uninformed - they are misinformed. They cite cherry-picked evidence, rely on fake experts, and believe conspiracy theories. How can we get them to change their minds and accept the facts when they don't believe in facts? In this book, Lee McIntyre shows that anyone can fight back against science deniers, and argues that it's important to do so. Science denial can kill.

Drawing on his own experience - including a visit to a Flat Earth convention - as well as academic research, McIntyre outlines the common themes of science denialism, present in misinformation campaigns ranging from tobacco companies' denial in the 1950s that smoking causes lung cancer to today's anti-vaxxers. He describes attempts to use his persuasive powers as a philosopher to convert Flat Earthers; surprising discussions with coal miners; and conversations with a scientist friend about genetically modified organisms in food. McIntyre offers tools and techniques for communicating the truth and values of science, emphasizing that the most important way to reach science deniers is to talk to them calmly and respectfully - to put ourselves out there, and meet them face to face.

©2021 The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (P)2021 Tantor

Well worth a listen, good info and some flaws

This is s timely book with very useful information on how to approach a science denier. This information is illustrated through the use of both facts and interesting anecdotal stories. Unfortunately, the book ended somewhat abruptly. It would have been very helpful to have had an additional chapter with a simple summary of the main points in the book. This was my first exposure to this author, and I look forward to reading and/or listening to some of his other writings.

A little background on me will put the rest of my comments in context. I hold a graduate degree in a hard science as well as an MBA. I have worked in multiple industries including environmental engineering, healthcare, technology, and finance - both on the technical and business sides. Politically I am a moderate.

This book would have been more useful and effective in its message if the concepts of logic, the scientific method, and evidence-based decision making had been applied in a more structured manner and the rhetoric around politics toned down significantly. (I say this even though I personally agree with just about all of the political comments he makes.) There are places where the political messages drown out the messages about how to talk to a science denier, which is what the book title says it is supposed to be about. There are also places where the author's strong political feelings caused him to make some of the very same logical mistakes that science deniers make - which, in a strange way, supports his arguments about how self identity and emotions sometimes make it challenging to base our beliefs on facts. In spite of these flaws, I'm glad I listened to this book and recommend it.

Helpful Info

My goal in "reading" this book was to gain knowledge in framing mass communication regarding climate change. The author provides that, as well as one on one communication advice. He cites examples of how human to human compassionate communication is the best way to shift a person's outlook... like in the old days, before lockdown and social media. In any form of communication, compassion and empathy are the key.

Important Read

Great and informative book with helpful suggestions on how to reach those who have fallen for science denialism and misinformation. Excellent narration. Recommended!

Great Read

In these polarized times, it’s good to get intelligent council on how to better deal with those that have a different “opinion” regardless if that opinion is based on propaganda, a sense of victim hood or some vast conspiracy. There is nothing more satisfying to America’s enemies, foreign and domestic than a divided people…

This is an amazing and necessary book

This is a great and relevant breakdown of different types of science denial and how to approach each type of person with the goal of reaching them through interpersonal connection and honestly, nothing has ever been more relevant. I'm super pumped to apply these things to my conversations with people.

Almost persuaded, but…

Very well written and conceived, but I was skeptical about engaging science deniers before the book, and not quite convinced I want to work that hard after listening to the reasons I should care. Yes, I am older, set in my ways, and perhaps not the target audience (maybe too cynical/jaded to believe it’s possible.)

Somewhat repetitive. Could have been half as long.

The overall message of this book is excellent. The narration is great, and the anecdotes are the best part.

But the key lessons could have been reduced to much fewer repetitions.

Exactly what I was looking for

I work in an office filled with conspiracy theorists. It is very depressing and disturbing to listen to them constantly talk about climate change, election frued, etc... Yes, a couple of them are Q's. I don't hate these people, and besides their theories, they are generally good people. I bought this book to better understand them and maybe even find a way to talk to them. This book was exactly what I was looking for.

It’s nearly impossible (for me)

Despite the author’s assertion that we should all attempt to engage and educate science deniers, I concluded partway through this interesting book that I don’t have the skills, patience, and knowledge needed. Good luck to those who do.

Excellent book with actionable suggestions

I liked how this book identified the problem of science denial and broke it down into discrete parts. I like how the book reviewed many kinds of science denial and identify those that have been politicized and those that have not. I liked the positive ways to engage with people who have different viewpoints. I liked the underlying humanity of the author’s s perspective, and the desire to make the world a better place through effective communication and clearer thinking.