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Merchants of Doubt
368 pages, 2011
Merchants of Doubt has been praised―and attacked―around the world, for reasons easy to understand.
This book tells, with “brutal clarity” (Huffington Post), the disquieting story of how a loose-knit group of high-level scientists and scientific advisers, with deep connections in politics and industry, ran effective campaigns to mislead the public and deny well-established scientific knowledge on multiple continents over four decades.
The same individuals who claim the science of global warming is “not settled” have also denied the truth about studies linking smoking to lung cancer, coal smoke to acid rain, and CFCs to the ozone hole. “Doubt is our product,” wrote one tobacco executive. These “experts” supplied it.
Merchants of Doubt rolls back the rug on this dark corner of American science. Now with a new Foreword by former Vice President Al Gore, and with a new Postscript by the authors.
In Merchants of Doubt, Naomi Oreskes explores how a handful of scientists obscured the truth on issues from tobacco smoke to global warming. She shows us that creating doubt can be a powerful tool in delaying policy changes and maintaining harmful practices.
Oreskes digs into the role of certain scientists who, despite having no expertise in the fields they were discussing, were able to sow seeds of doubt about scientific consensus. This highlights the importance of checking the credibility of sources when researching complex topics.
The book reveals how big businesses can manipulate public opinion and policy. Oreskes shows us that these corporations often prioritize their profits over public health and environmental sustainability. It's a wake-up call to be aware of corporate influence in our daily lives.
Merchants of Doubt explores how the spread of misinformation can have a significant impact on public policy. Oreskes demonstrates that the delay in addressing issues like climate change and public health crises is often due to manufactured doubt.
One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of critical thinking. Oreskes encourages us to question the information we receive, especially when it contradicts scientific consensus. It's a reminder to always dig deeper and seek the truth.
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Merchants of Doubt is a bold and enlightening exploration of how a group of high-level scientists, with extensive political connections, ran effective campaigns to mislead the public and deny well-established scientific knowledge over four decades.
Bill Moyers - American JournalistMerchants of Doubt is a fascinating and important study of how a handful of scientists have clouded public understanding of scientific facts to advance a political and economic agenda.
Elizabeth Kolbert - Pulitzer-winning AuthorMerchants of Doubt should finally put to rest the question of whether the science of climate change is settled. It is, and we ignore this message at our peril.
Al Gore - Former Vice-President