Partisans and the Use of Knowledge versus Science.

Area of Science:

• Science and Technology Studies
• Political Science
• Communication Studies

Background:

• The study of science denial often focuses on skepticism towards scientific consensus.
• Historical examples, such as tobacco interests, and contemporary climate science skeptics are frequently cited.
• Existing research often frames denial as a simple rejection of scientific facts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the nature of knowledge claims made by partisans.
• To analyze the strategies employed in "denial of science" movements.
• To understand the relationship between science, politics, and public knowledge.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of arguments used by historical "doubt mongers" (e.g., tobacco industry).
• Examination of rhetorical strategies employed by climate science skeptics.
• Theoretical exploration of "registers of truth" used in science denial.

Main Results:

• Partisans profess certainty by leveraging specific "facts," ideological commitments (e.g., free enterprise), and partisan identity.
• Denial is not merely a rejection of facts but a constructed narrative using various forms of knowledge.
• Climate science denial serves to promote a particular image of science and its role in politics.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the multifaceted nature of partisan knowledge is crucial for combating science denial.
• Recognizing the interplay between science, politics, and ideology is essential for understanding climate science and its denial.
• Further research into the "registers of truth" can illuminate the dynamics of science communication and public trust.