Fact and Prejudice

More about the book

During a casual coffee with family, you encounter energized water, discussions on Twitter about vaccination, and conversations in your WhatsApp group about zodiac signs. You face a barrage of conspiracy myths, superstition, and pseudoscience in daily life, prompting a desire to respond factually while avoiding provocation. You aim to clarify your position and provide evidence without alienating others, encouraging them to rethink their views. If you find yourself grappling with this challenge, this book offers insights into why emotions often drive our beliefs and how information can fail to penetrate our defenses. It shares experiences and tips from interviews with professional communicators and follows individuals through their journeys of rethinking. Discover what leads an alternative medicine practitioner to abandon non-evidence-based practices, what influences a former vaccination opponent to vaccinate her children, and how members of appropriative organizations find their way out. This resource is invaluable for anyone uncertain about how to engage with those holding irrational beliefs—be it family, friends, or online acquaintances. The authors provide practical advice for navigating discussions and help you discern when to engage or step back.