It’s a shame that this book is written in the style of a
textbook rather than for the general public, because we all need to hear David
Harker’s message. Created scientific controversies surround issues where there
is broad scientific agreement but the public’s perception is that there is
uncertainty and doubt. The false controversies can be very dangerous. Beliefs
that tobacco has nothing to do with cancer, that vaccines cause autism, that
climate change has nothing to do with human actions, and that HIV and AIDS are
unrelated cause direct harm to population health, but also lower scientific
literacy and undermine faith in science. The role of conflicted interests in
manufacturing false controversies is infuriating but very instructive. Read more about this
book and others from the CT Health Policy Project Book Club
