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Merchants of Doubt

How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming
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( 7,250 ratings, 909 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Merchants of Doubt by Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway delves into how a small group of scientists obscured the truth on critical issues like tobacco smoke, acid rain, and climate change. The book explores the deliberate spread of misinformation and its widespread impact on public perception and policy.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you have an interest in how scientific facts are often clouded by doubt through strategies resembling those used by the tobacco industry. It explores the tactics employed by certain industries to manipulate public opinion and hinder scientific progress, making it a compelling read for those curious about the intersection of science, policy, and industry influence.

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Merchants of Doubt

The troubling story of how a cadre of influential scientists have clouded public understanding of scientific facts to advance a political and economic agenda.

The troubling story of how a cadre of influential scientists have clouded public understanding of scientific facts to advance a political and economic agenda.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In Merchants of Doubt, Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway unravel the gripping and disconcerting narrative of how a cadre of high-profile scientists and advisors, with ties to political and industrial spheres, launched influential disinformation campaigns to manipulate public opinion and obscure scientific truth. The book meticulously documents instances spanning over four decades, revealing how these individuals consistently resurfaced to contest well-established science on issues that pose significant risks to public health and the environment.

The story begins with the unsettling history of efforts to obfuscate the dangers of cigarette smoking. These same tactics and even some of the same players then appeared in debates over the harmful effects of DDT, the reality of acid rain, and, most notoriously, the actuality and human impact of global warming. The authors vividly portray the deliberate strategies employed to seed doubt among the populace, including the manipulation of media narratives and the discrediting of reputable scientists.

The narrative is strengthened by Oreskes’ and Conway’s scholarly expertise, as they bring to light previously hidden documents and provide a thorough historical context. This not only elucidates the persistent pattern of denial but also highlights the motivations driven by ideological beliefs and corporate profit. Through their examination, what emerges is a chilling picture of how scientific data can be weaponised to advance particular agendas, often at the expense of public well-being.

One of the most striking revelations in Merchants of Doubt is the continuity of the individuals involved. The authors show how some of the same figures who publicly doubted the linkage between tobacco use and lung cancer later turned their scepticism towards climate change science. This uncanny consistency underscores the broader theme of how doubt becomes a calculated 'product' in the arsenal of industries facing potential regulation.

Oreskes and Conway not only expose these deceptive tactics but also call into question the role of the media that too often becomes complicit, either inadvertently or otherwise, in these campaigns of misinformation. The book is a powerful reminder of the importance of critical thinking and the need for vigilance against the manipulation of science for ulterior motives.

Merchants of Doubt is an indispensable read for anyone interested in the intersections of science, policy, and public perception. It serves as a compelling warning of how easily scientific evidence can be distorted, and the profound effects such distortions can have on public understanding and policy-making. By lifting the veil on these shadowy practices, Oreskes and Conway arm their readers with knowledge that is both empowering and necessary for navigating the complex landscape of contemporary science and its societal implications.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Merchants of Doubt by Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway is praised for its engaging reporting, clear writing, and meticulous research. Described as a must-read for those concerned about democracy, it combines elements of thriller and history, providing a fascinating look into the dissemination of scientific information. The book has been lauded by various reviewers for its significance and impact.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781408824832

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 June 2012

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 256g

Pages: 368

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About the Author

Naomi Oreskes is Professor of History and Science Studies at the University of California, San Diego. Her essay 'Beyond the Ivory Tower' was a milestone in the fight against global warming denial. Erik Conway is the resident historian at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. Fighting Facts is their first book together.

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