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How to Talk to a Science Denier: A Reading List

Follow author Lee McIntyre into the deep as he explores how conspiracy theories are forged and how to connect with people who’ve been pulled under.

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If you’re distressed about climate change and COVID-19 spread, it might be tempting to write off people who dismiss or deny that these issues exist. But if you’re open to challenging conversations, you might find some solace, as well as change a few minds.

We tapped Lee McIntyre, author of the new book, How to Talk to a Science Denier, to share his best resources for disarming and connecting with people who distrust expertise and facts. There are tools and tips to communicate calmly and respectfully — ideally in a way that leaves them more curious and less susceptible to misinformation.

Read on for McIntyre’s expert guide, starting with how the tobacco industry kicked off the science denialist movement, before weaving from Bill Nye to chatbots. As you’ll see from the articles, podcasts, videos, and books, the solution is not found in berating and belittling, but instead engaging and listening with perseverance and compassion.

Image by Fanatic Studio / Gary Waters / Getty Images

Lee McIntyre

Lee McIntyre is a Research Fellow at the Center for Philosophy and History of Science at Boston University. He is the author of Post-Truth (MIT Press, 2018) and The Scientific Attitude (MIT Press, 2019), as well as numerous popular essays that have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Boston Globe, Newsweek, Scientific American, and The Times Higher Education Supplement. His new book How to Talk to a Science Denier, was published by MIT press in August 2021.