What makes a mind susceptible to science denial?
Transferable skill course
- Date: May 21, 2026
- Time: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM (Local Time Germany)
- Speaker: Claudia Voelckel
- IMPRS coordinator
- Location: Hybrid lecture (online via zoom & MPI-CE, A1.009 + A1.011)
What makes a mind susceptible to science denial?
There is a gap
between what scientists accept as settled science and what the public accepts
as settled science. For example, 98% of climate scientists concur that humans
cause climate change but only 57% of the US public agree.
To reduce that gap, scientist engage in and are being taught about improving
and fine-tuning their science communication skills. However, perspectives from
psychologists and philosophers suggest that this is not enough and that
scientists also need an increased awareness about the psychological reasons
that make a mind susceptible to science denial.
By summarizing these, I would like to inspire you to reflect on your roles as
scientists and as members of the public who need to navigate scientific
findings in their every-day lives.