Why Science Communication Fails: How to Break Down Misleading Arguments and Inoculate Against Misinformation with John Cook

Countering misinformation across contentious topics is explored with communication scientist John Cook. Cook shares his evolution from assuming facts alone suffice in science communication to recognizing the need to address motivated reasoning and cultural lenses. He details logic-based inoculation, explaining techniques of misinformation to sidestep triggers and build resilience. Cook's experiment using tobacco misinformation to neutralize climate change misinformation demonstrates that aversion to being tricked is bipartisan. The discussion also covers the "FLICC" acronym (Fake Experts, Logical Fallacies, Impossible Expectations, Cherry Picking, Conspiracy Theories) as a tool for identifying science denial techniques and emphasizes the importance of activating those already convinced of climate action.