Denialism: How Irrational Thinking Harms the Planet and Threatens Our Lives

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More About This Book

Overview

"A superb and convincing work."
-Malcolm Gladwell

At a time when our planet is in dire peril, Americans mistrust science more than ever. Few journalists appreciate what is at stake better than Michael Specter, who has spent the last twenty years reporting on everything from the AIDS epidemic to the digital revolution. In Denialism, he eloquently shows how, in a world where protesters march against childhood vaccines and Africans starve to death rather than import genetically modified grains, we must reconnect with the rational thinking that has underpinned the advance of civilization since the eighteenth century. What emerges is a manifesto that brilliantly captures one of the pivotal clashes of our era.

Editorial Reviews

From Barnes & Noble
As a longtime New Yorker staff writer specializing in science issues, Michael Specter has recognized a growing trend among Americans to distrust institutions and view science as belonging to this category -- or, even worse, as a political constituency or a self-seeking lobby. In Denialism, he describes how science's traditional functions as information provider and lifesaver have been undermined by heated controversies involving everything from childhood vaccines and research involving animals to stem-cell research and global warming. As relevant as this morning's news.
Janet Maslin
In this hotly argued yet data-filled diatribe, Mr. Specter skips past some of the easiest realms of science baiting (i.e., evolution) to address more current issues, from the ethical questions raised by genome research to the furiously fought debate over the safety of childhood vaccinations.
—The New York Times
More Reviews (3) Fewer Reviews
Publishers Weekly
Although denialists, according to Specter, come from both ends of the political spectrum, they have one important trait in common: their willingness to “replace the rigorous and open-minded skepticism of science with the inflexible certainty of ideological commitment.” Specter analyzes the consequences of this inflexibility and draws some startling and uncomfortable conclusions for the health of both individuals and society. For example, though every reputable scientific study demonstrates the safety of major childhood vaccines, opponents of childhood immunization are winning the publicity war; childhood immunizations are tumbling and preventable diseases are increasing, often leading to unnecessary deaths. Specter, a New Yorker science and public health writer, does an equally credible job of demolishing the health claims made by those promoting organic produce and all forms of “alternative” medicine. Specter is both provocative and thoughtful in his defense of science and rationality—though he certainly does not believe that scientists are infallible. His writing is engaging and his sources are credible, making this a significant addition to public discourse on the importance of discriminating between credible science and snake oil. (Nov. 2)
Library Journal
Written in a journalistic style similar to Malcolm Gladwell's Blink, this is a self-proclaimed polemic against all who would deny the promise and progress of science, people whom the author calls "denialists." Using the word to refer to a range of people and views, Specter, a New Yorker staff writer who focuses on science, technology, and public health, argues they "replace the rigorous and open-minded skepticism of science with the inflexible certainty of ideological commitment." Much of what Specter writes is good and true. People are not good judges of risk. Vaccinations are vital to people's health. And politics and ideology should not replace science. Yet Specter's extreme scientific exceptionalism, his oversimplification of complex issues and historical episodes, and his near-comical characterization of the denialist make this a hard pill to swallow. VERDICT Many, especially the skeptical and the scientifically inclined, will find arguments that trade on generalities, ignore subtleties, and caricature the opposition suspect. Thus, Specter's book is unlikely to ring true to the believer in science or to convert the unbeliever. Not recommended.—Jonathan Bodnar, Georgia Inst. of Technology Lib. & Information Ctr., Atlanta
Kirkus Reviews
From New Yorker staffer Specter, a sarcasm-drenched denunciation of all who will not kneel at the altar of science. "Denialists," as Specter calls such people, "shun nuance and fear complexity, so instead of asking how science might help resolve our problems, they reject novel strategies even when those strategies are supported by impressive data and scientific consensus." Never mind that consensus once supported the idea of an Earth-centric universe and of epilepsy as a sign of demonic possession, and never mind Specter's own lack of nuance in lumping climate-change deniers, GM-food opponents, anti-vaccination activists and other such types into a single category. Are those who worry about the prospect of eating genetically altered food really on a par with Holocaust deniers? Specter seems glad to equate them, and to accuse any such worriers of being glad to condemn African villagers to lives of famine and misery. Are organic foodies evil? Apparently so ("the Western cult of organic food is nothing more than a glorious fetish of the rich")-never mind the fact that nonorganic farming is an innovation scarcely a century old and that eating fossil fuel is not very good for anyone. Specter rolls a few fuzzy-math dice along the way-at one point he gives the appearance that the 2,000-odd Americans who died of aspirin poisoning in 2008 were merely victims of bad luck-and he advances a few straw-man lines of argument that would make a college-composition student blush. Readers will need to be comfortable with the idea that Big Pharma loves them, corporate culture cares, industrial agribusinesses are in it for the public good and bacteriologists stand next to the Godhead. Denialism, it wouldseem, includes denying that science has ever caused harm. Specter's spirited approach to his subject is admirable, but his brush is far too broad and his disdain far too deep.

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780143118312
  • Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
  • Publication date: 10/26/2010
  • Pages: 320
  • Sales rank: 450,180
  • Product dimensions: 5.20 (w) x 7.90 (h) x 0.70 (d)

Meet the Author

Michael Specter

Michael Specter writes about science, technology and global public health for the New Yorker, where he has been a staff writer since 1998. He has twice received the Global Health Council’s Excellence in Media Award, as well as the Science Journalism Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

1 Vioxx and the Fear of Science 23

2 Vaccines and the Great Denial 57

3 The Organic Fetish 103

4 The Era of Echinacea 147

5 Race and the Language of Life 187

6 Surfing the Exponential 225

Afterword 265

Acknowledgments 273

Notes 277

Bibliography 285

Index 291

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 3
( 20 )

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Sort by: Showing all of 20 Customer Reviews

  • Posted November 26, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    9780312425074

    Denialism: How Science Has Become Mistrusted and Ignored

    When I purchased this book, what attracted me to it was its subtitle. As an educator I marvel at how many times policy makers and the powers that be make decisions about education that flies right in the face of scientific knowledge and fact. Irrationalism does rule many of the decisions that are made in our society, and Michael Specter does an excellent job of providing several examples of where we have allowed unclear thinking, myth, fable, whatever you want to call it, rule our decision-making. He does not advocate blindly following science, but he does call for a more rational approach to making sense of our world and to guiding our policy decisions. When he points out the fallacies of the "all natural movements" and the "all organic movements" it becomes very clear that for all our braggadocio about being more advanced than ever, we do cling to irrational ways that have no basis in fact or science. I would agree with Specter wholeheartedly, that if we are going to make it as a planet, irrational thinking and its products are going to have to make way for a more rational approach to our problems that relies on scientific thinking and fact. The denialists who keep saying all is well with our climate can't be silenced with facts. They do not want to let go of their irrational thinking. Instead, those who are forward thinking are going to have to move onward without them. Specter's book provides so much food for thought about science, our society, politics, education, and even religion, it is one of the most thought-provoking books of the year. I easily would place it on the shelf beside Friedman's "The World Is Flat." Its call for a change in how we view science is no less compelling than Friedman's call to a global view of our place in the world. This is a book that I will ponder for quite some time.

    9 out of 9 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted November 9, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    9780060889579

    The Fear that Grips Us

    I found the book to be an insight into the fear mongering that irrational thinking and uninformed action spurs in today's America. It explores the incomprehensible mindset which has cropped up in society that doesn't trust authority, the scientific method and embraces panicked, illogical beliefs. Further Specter explores the some of the reasons (scientific and moral failures) that have lead to this condition. The overall tone is leaning very left which I found a little distasteful at times - being fairly moderate myself - but there wasn't anything egregious that couldn't be overlooked unless you have bought into the "religion" of denialism in which case you're likely to be wholly offended. The book reads well and although it can be a little tangential at times, is easy to follow and is easily understood. Specter does a good job illustrating points and, I feel, makes a very persuasive argument against willful scientific ignorance.

    5 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted March 20, 2010

    An interesting read.

    This book is worth reading. Its easy to read and very interesting. It helps break down some of the preconceived notions many have about and toward science.

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted November 25, 2009

    Grab a Roll of TP

    Specter has regurgitated into one book a months worth of MSN pablum.

    The book has a good cover. Just don't drink the aqua Kool-Aid.

    "To cope, Africans will need better goverments." Way to dis a whole continent.

    Clear and Organized writing.

    2 out of 15 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted November 4, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    Specter Is a Follower

    I must say that Specter is a follower. The USA is not the brilliant country it is because of followers. The brilliant scientist are and never have been followers.

    Specter has never been a mother that saw a simple "MANDATORY" vaccine damage her child. DO YOU THINK THE MOTHER WANTS TO SAY HER CHILD IS ILL ? NO! A MOTHER WANTS A BOUNCING HAPPY BABY BOY OR GIRL !

    BUT that all has changed for millions of moms thanks to "MANDATORY", mercury filled childhood vaccines.

    Until Mr. Specter can walk in one of these mother's and father's shoes,,,,,he need not be writing.

    Truthfully and sincerely,
    MARNA MORAN

    2 out of 28 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 27, 2011

    Thought provoking

    Brings many relevant points to light but becomes quite repetative

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted July 13, 2011

    Interesting, but....

    The book seems to lose its primary impetus about halfway through, right when you get to the chapters on biotech. Then it becomes a paen to why everyone should embrace creating synthetic life and if you don't, you're a denialist. It's not badly written at all, but it clearly changes its tone to equate being alarmed at these concepts as being on the wrong side. The last two chapters left me disturbed.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted September 24, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    Superb essays against activism based on denial

    Debunking those who believe in bunk - medical, dietary, scientific bunk - and showcasing the research that refutes their denial of the truth, Michael Specter writes with the easy grace expected of a New Yorker magazine staff writer. Specter looks at the willful denial of the facts regarding Vioxx, vaccines and their relationship to autism, organic and genetically engineered food, and the future of genomics - the science of genes. Informative, readable, amusing and sure to make you wonder whether you practice a bit of "denialism" in your own beliefs (well, of course not).

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  • Anonymous

    Posted April 24, 2010

    Biased and one sided.

    This book was not worth my time. The title was "catchy" but that is about all. Although the author has every right to his point of view I thought that the book was very biased. Based upon the title and subtitle, I thought that he would be very rational in presenting both sides and then point out why he thought his side was right. While he did present both sides, he presented the opposing side in a very limited, very biased way. He presented the best of his side, he would present the worst of the other. For instance on the discussion of vaccines, he would quote government and industry spokesmen who are pro-vaccine and then would quote Jenny McCarthy, using statements by her that have cuss words. He failed to note the many researchers and research studies that support those who chose not to vaccine or to do so on an alternative schedule. This is just one of the many examples. This is not a book on science, but a book that has a specific agenda and utilizes logical fallacies, group stereotypes and sweeping generalizations to accomplish that task.

    0 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted March 15, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    I really like this subject matter

    Sometimes one just wants to give up on people. Maybe give them what they want, doubled, in a place they will notice its presence. Who knows if the science is right or wrong. It's the best attempt of a blind man to determine the extent of an elephant. If we put aside our greed and made a good faith effort not to blow the planet to smithereens, I think we could claim the joy the Buddhists tell us is our birthright.

    In this book Specter voices his frustration at the illogic, misinformation, and downright politicking plaguing important discussions of the planet's future. Sometimes it is hard to want to save mankind from itself. But we need to keep trying to keep the discussion as honest as we can make it, to bolster the weary. I still want that g-d joy. This was a good attempt to make a compelling argument, but don't think that he unequivocally succeeded.

    0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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