Science denial : why it happens and what to do about it Cover Image

Book

Science denial : why it happens and what to do about it / Gale M. Sinatra and Barbara K. Hofer.

Sinatra, Gale M., (author.). Hofer, Barbara K., (author.).

Summary:

"Science doubt, resistance, and denial are not new. Galileo challenged the prevailing geocentric view of our solar system and was dismissed as a heretic. What is the history of science denial, what's different now, and why does it seem worse? In this opening chapter, What is the Problem and Why Does it Matter? Sinatra and Hofer chart the development of this problem, examine how doubt has also been manufactured, and explain how media attempts at "balance" can become a form of bias. While acknowledging the limits and fallibility of science, they argue that if the US is to be a leader in sustainable economic and social progress, a greater percentage of Americans need to value, understand, and accept scientific methods and findings. When so many US citizens deny science, the health and wellbeing of Americans and our hopes for a sustainable future are put in peril"-- Provided by publisher.

Record details

ISBN: 9780190944681
ISBN: 0190944684
Physical Description: xiii, 193 pages ; 25 cm
Publisher: New York : Oxford University Press, [2021]
Copyright: ℗♭2021.

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Formatted Contents Note:

Section I: Science denial, doubt, and resistance -- What Is The Problem And Why Does It Matter? -- How Do We Make Sense Of Science Claims Online? -- What Role Can Science Education Play? -- Section II: Five explanations for science denial, doubt, and resistance -- How Do Cognitive Biases Influence Reasoning? -- How Do Individuals Think About Knowledge And Knowing? -- What Motivates People To Question Science? -- How Do Emotions And Attitudes Influence Science Understanding? -- What Can We Do About Science Denial, Doubt, And Resistance?