Science can be used to illuminate and expand our knowledge. But it can also be misused for political purposes or economic gain.
On Monday, February 28, at 12:15 p.m., the Wallace Stegner Center will present a reading and discussion by Naomi Oreskes, co-author with Erik M. Conway of the new book Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming. The event, to be held in the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law’s Sutherland Moot Courtroom, is free and open to the public. No registration is required.
In a starred review, Publishers Weekly wrote, “Oreskes and Conway tell an important story about the misuse of science to mislead the public on matters ranging from the risks of smoking to the reality of global warming … This book deserves serious attention for the lessons it provides about the misuse of science for political and commercial ends.”
Vice President Al Gore said: “Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway have demonstrated what many of us have long suspected: that the ‘debate” over the climate crisis—and many other environmental issues—was manufactured by the same people who brought you ‘safe’ cigarettes. Anyone concerned about the state of democracy in America should read this book.”
In advance of the reading, Oreskes will also appear on KUER 90.1 FM’s “RadioWest” program on February 24 at 11:00 a.m. and again at 7:00 p.m.
Funding for Oreskes’ reading is provided by the Cultural Vision Fund.