When Science Becomes Embroiled in Conflict: Recognizing the Public's Need for Debate while Combating Conspiracies and...

Area of Science:

• Science and Policy
• Public Trust in Science
• Misinformation Studies

Background:

• Democracies increasingly rely on scientific input for policy decisions.
• Scientists face scrutiny when evidence challenges public worldviews, preferences, or interests.
• Conflicts arise from disinformation and conspiracy theories, eroding trust and hindering evidence-based policy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate politically-motivated science denial from justifiable public opposition.
• To analyze the dynamics of scientific evidence conflicting with public beliefs.
• To provide recommendations for addressing misinformation and incorporating public experiences.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of science denial versus public opposition.
• Examination of disinformation and conspiracy theory impacts.
• Review of factors influencing public trust in science.

Main Results:

• Distinction identified between deliberate misinformation and legitimate value-based opposition.
• Understanding the roots of public skepticism is crucial.
• Disinformation campaigns actively undermine scientific consensus.

Conclusions:

• Recommendations provided for combating misinformation.
• Emphasizing the importance of understanding public lived experiences for policy.
• Preserving democratic debate requires addressing both denial and valid concerns.