#37: How to Talk to a Science Denier

Thinking Critically

In this episode, Jonathan is speaking with Lee McIntyre about how to talk to a science denier. They discuss: •How he became interested in science and philosophy. •How 60 years of unchecked science denial has lead to post truth. •The problem of induction in science. •Identity protective cognition and why it's so difficult to change your mind. •How to have difficult conversations. •That science doesn't actually prove anything, but that doesn't mean that it shouldn't be trusted. •The five tropes of science denial. •And other topics. Dr. Lee McIntyre is a Research Fellow at the Center for Philosophy and History of Science at Boston University and an Instructor in Ethics at Harvard Extension School. He holds a B.A. from Wesleyan University and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Michigan. He has taught philosophy at Colgate University, Boston University, Tufts Experimental College, Simmons College, and Harvard Extension School. Formerly Executive Director of the Institute for Quantitative Social Science at Harvard University, he has also served as a policy advisor to the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard and as Associate Editor in the Research Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. He is the author of Philosophy of Science, The Sin Eater, The Scientific Attitude, Post-Truth, Respecting Truth, Dark Ages, Laws and Explanation in the Social Sciences, and most recently, How to Talk to a Science Denier. You can connect with Lee and find all of his books here: https://leemcintyrebooks.com/ You can find this episode on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/2XnDk4u Also, don't forget about our book “Thinking Critically. From Fake News to Conspiracy Theories. Using Logic to Safely Navigate the Information Landscape” if you're interested in exploring how logic can be used to better help you to discern fact from fiction. The information landscape is perilous, but with the help of this book as your guide, you will always be able to find your way towards truth. It's available on Amazon today! Book: https://amzn.to/3nWdawV This show is supported and produced by Final Stretch Media. Final Stretch believes in creating something that disrupts attention spans and challenges the marketing status quo. They do this by creating high quality visual content that captivates your audience. Website: https://bit.ly/3AsP3wZ This show is also supported by QuikLee; the creators of Brain Racers. The world's first ever live racing competition for the brain. Download their app and play live on the weekends on an iOS device against the world. We have raced and it's a blast! App Download: https://apple.co/39twqwY