Research Fellow at the Center for Philosophy and History of Science at Boston University and an Instructor in Ethics at Harvard Extension School, Dr. Lee McIntyre, spoke with WRDL on Wednesday, February 9 about his upcoming virtual lecture at Ashland University. The lecture is titled “How To Talk To A Science Denier” and is being held via Zoom on Wednesday, February 9th at 7:30pm as part of Ashland University’s Symposium Against Indifference lecture series. According to McIntyre’s website and listing for his recent book of the same name, “McIntyre outlines the common themes of science denialism, present in misinformation campaigns ranging from tobacco companies’ denial in the 1950s that smoking causes lung cancer to today’s anti-vaxxers. He describes attempts to use his persuasive powers as a philosopher to convert Flat Earthers; surprising discussions with coal miners; and conversations with a scientist friend about genetically modified organisms in food. McIntyre offers tools and techniques for communicating the truth and values of science, emphasizing that the most important way to reach science deniers is to talk to them calmly and respectfully—to put ourselves out there, to meet them face to face.”

(Photo courtesy of PublicDomainPictures.net)