Naomi Oreskes & Erik M. Conway
Biography
Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway form a highly influential American authorial partnership, celebrated for their meticulously researched non-fiction works that expose the deliberate spread of scientific misinformation. Their collaboration stems from a shared commitment to understanding the history of science and the public's perception of scientific consensus, particularly regarding climate change. Oreskes' expertise in the history of climate science and denial, combined with Conway's rigorous historical methodology from his work at NASA JPL, creates a powerful synergy. Their most famous work, 'Merchants of Doubt,' meticulously documents how a small group of politically connected scientists systematically obscured truth on various issues, from tobacco dangers to acid rain and climate change, profoundly shaping public discourse on science communication and organized denial.
Selected Thoughts
«We imagine that if science is real, it will speak for itself. We imagine that if science is certain, it will convince.»
«The history of science denial is a history of manipulating public perception by attacking the science and the scientists.»
«When you hear people say there's no consensus on climate change, or that the science is uncertain, remember: that's often an echo of a carefully orchestrated campaign.»
Writing Style
Their collaborative writing style is characterized by extensive archival research, compelling narrative structures, and an unflinching examination of historical patterns of scientific distortion. They present complex scientific and political histories in an accessible yet academically rigorous manner, making their work both scholarly and highly engaging for general readers.