Denialism | Michael Specter | Talks at Google | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Denialism is a book that explores how denial, particularly in the areas of vaccines and genetically modified food, can be harmful to individuals and society.

Key Insights

• 😋 Denialism in areas such as vaccines and genetically modified food can have harmful consequences for individuals and society.
• 🤔 Education and rational thinking are essential in addressing denialist beliefs.
• 🌍 There is a need for a national conversation about denialism and the role of science in shaping our future.
• 🔬 Religion does not necessarily have to conflict with science, and both can coexist. However, some fundamentalist beliefs may hinder acceptance of scientific evidence.
• 😋 Europe has seen a recent resurgence in denialism, particularly in the opposition to genetically modified food, despite previous advancements in science acceptance.

Transcript

This piece was on Google in the New Yorker and I worked with him -- I talked with him extensively about that piece and we've become good friends ever after. And that was ten years ago, I think, that piece. It's kind of incredible how time flies. Anyhow, I'm excited to welcome him back to Google. He's obviously visited many times. But now, he's v... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What is denialism, and how does it affect society?

Denialism refers to the act of denying or ignoring scientific evidence and facts. It can have detrimental effects on society by preventing progress and posing risks to public health.

Q: Why didn't the author focus on climate change and creationism in his book?

The author chose not to focus on climate change and creationism because they are already widely accepted as denialist issues. He wanted to shed light on other areas where denialism is prevalent but may not receive as much attention.

Q: How can denialism be seen in the anti-vaccine movement?

Denialism is evident in the anti-vaccine movement, where individuals choose not to vaccinate themselves or their children due to unwarranted fears and misinformation. This can lead to outbreaks of preventable diseases and put vulnerable populations at risk.

Q: How can we address denialism and encourage evidence-based decision making?

Education and open discussions are crucial in combating denialism. By providing individuals with accurate information and fostering critical thinking skills, we can empower people to make informed decisions based on scientific evidence.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Author Michael Specter discusses his book Denialism, which focuses on the dangerous consequences of denial in various areas of life, including vaccines and genetically modified food.

• Specter highlights the importance of evidence-based decision making and the harmful effects denialism can have on individuals and society.

• He emphasizes the need for education and rational thinking to address denialist beliefs and encourages a national conversation on these topics.