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bootman's review
5.0
I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of this book, and I honestly believe it’s one of the most important books of the year. I had never heard of Lee McIntyre, let alone the philosophy of science until I read his previous book The Scientific Attitude, and I fell in love with his writing and way he discusses these topics. As I write this review, we’re getting towards the end of the COVID pandemic, but there are still far too many people who refuse to get vaccinated because they deny science. Science denial is one of the biggest issues we face today, and you can tell that Lee is passionate about figuring out how we can better talk to people who deny science.
The book starts with Lee going to a flat earther convention, and he wants to learn about what they talk about while also having conversations with flat earthers. It’s really interesting hearing about what goes on at the convention and the way these people think. After years of research as well as attending this conference, Lee’s theory is that science denial and conspiratorial thinking is more of an identity issue than an intelligence issue. When he said that, I immediately thought he was onto something because I love to read books about the social sciences, and Lee’s arguments make sense. He provides both scientific research as well as some strong anecdotal evidence that backs this theory, and this gives him a great starting point to teach the reader how to talk to science deniers.
While many books talk about how we need to be more empathetic and compassionate when talking to science deniers, not many people put it into practice. Lee’s passion for educating people about science really shows in this book as he documents the various conversations he has with people. He is extremely transparent about mistakes he makes in conversations, and he reflects on those mistakes in order to better speak to science deniers. At one point, he even talks with a friend who is a scientist that is skeptical of GMOs.
I could go on and on about this book all day, but I just need you to get this book ASAP and buy a copy for a friend as well. Lee helps you get inside the mind of science deniers, explains the political aspect of science denial, and so much more. Again, get this book, and thank me later.
The book starts with Lee going to a flat earther convention, and he wants to learn about what they talk about while also having conversations with flat earthers. It’s really interesting hearing about what goes on at the convention and the way these people think. After years of research as well as attending this conference, Lee’s theory is that science denial and conspiratorial thinking is more of an identity issue than an intelligence issue. When he said that, I immediately thought he was onto something because I love to read books about the social sciences, and Lee’s arguments make sense. He provides both scientific research as well as some strong anecdotal evidence that backs this theory, and this gives him a great starting point to teach the reader how to talk to science deniers.
While many books talk about how we need to be more empathetic and compassionate when talking to science deniers, not many people put it into practice. Lee’s passion for educating people about science really shows in this book as he documents the various conversations he has with people. He is extremely transparent about mistakes he makes in conversations, and he reflects on those mistakes in order to better speak to science deniers. At one point, he even talks with a friend who is a scientist that is skeptical of GMOs.
I could go on and on about this book all day, but I just need you to get this book ASAP and buy a copy for a friend as well. Lee helps you get inside the mind of science deniers, explains the political aspect of science denial, and so much more. Again, get this book, and thank me later.
jpbaldassari's review
5.0
Much more what I was looking for than I got from other books proclaiming to be on communicating science, and much less antagonistic than the title would suggest. A real winner.
seeker42's review
3.0
This book is usefully informative, in that it gives great advice on how to approach difficult conversations with those who exhibit intractable opinions that are contrary to scientific thought. However, this I found mostly applies to the first third of the book. The remainder of the book either strays into anecdotal storytelling and/or reiterating the initially stated advice. If you are interested in reading extensive examples of the writer’s process of learning to apply the principles stated in the first third of the book, then, by all means, read to completion. I found that I got as much as I needed from the book after reading a little over half of it, and, after losing patience with what I considered repetitive or prolix, chose to shelve it.
juliana_aldous's review
4.0
Worth the price of admission. The author has some good points and suggestions for working with the science-deniers in your life. The key to the book is the five common factors in denying science:
*cherry-picking evidence
*belief in conspiracy theories
*reliance on fake experts (and the denigration of real experts)
*committing logical errors
*setting impossible expectations for what science can achieve
The key message is to communicate, and communicate from a place of love and understanding and not hate. But keep communicating with those in your life.
*cherry-picking evidence
*belief in conspiracy theories
*reliance on fake experts (and the denigration of real experts)
*committing logical errors
*setting impossible expectations for what science can achieve
The key message is to communicate, and communicate from a place of love and understanding and not hate. But keep communicating with those in your life.