"Climate change doesn't exist", "Covid-19 is no worse than the flu" and other statements have gained popularity in recent years. Such claims not only reflect a growing mistrust of scientific knowledge, but are also closely linked to the rise of conspiracy thinking and disinformation. Right-wing populist actors are taking advantage of this to attack scientific research in a targeted manner. These developments exacerbate the already existing tension between politics and science, as political majority decisions do not have to conform to the findings of empirical research.
What are the causes of the growing mistrust in scientific findings, increasing disinformation and rampant conspiracy thinking? What politically motivated attacks and outrage dynamics is science confronted with? How can science react and maintain its independence in the face of limited resources? And last but not least: What does hostility towards science mean for democracy? These and other questions will be discussed by an interdisciplinary panel.
Guests:
Dr. Timo Lochocki, right-wing populism expert and former head of the planning staff at the Federal Ministry of Health
Prof. Dr. Tobias Rothmund, communication psychologist and director of KomRex
Prof. Dr. Sina Leipold, Professor of Environmental Policy and Head of the Department of Environmental Policy at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research
