Includes bibliographical references (pages 217-238) and index.
Contents:
Prologue: On being naìˆve -- What science is--and what it isn't -- White mice and windowless rooms -- An alibi for ignorance -- Feeding the beast -- To debate or not to debate -- Make 'em laugh -- Science goes to the movies -- The Emperor's new clothes -- Judgment Day -- The nuclear option -- Pharma shill -- A ray of hope -- Epilogue: The end of the tour.
Summary:
In Bad Advice, Paul A. Offit shares hard-earned wisdom on the dos and don?ts of battling misinformation. For the past twenty years, Offit has been on the front lines in the fight for sound science and public heath. Stepping into the media spotlight as few scientists have done?such as being one of the first to speak out against conspiracy theories linking vaccines to autism?he found himself in the crosshairs of powerful groups intent on promoting pseudoscience. Bad Advice discusses science and its adversaries: not just the manias stoked by slick charlatans and their miracle cures but also corrosive, dangerous ideologies such as Holocaust and climate-change denial. Written with wit and passion, Offit?s often humorous guide to taking on quack experts and self-appointed activists is a must-read for any American disturbed by the uptick in politicized attacks on science.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.