The Triumph of Doubt: Dark Money and the Science of Deception

American corporations have long had a financial stake in undermining scientific consensus and manufacturing uncertainty. David Michaels' book "The Triumph of Doubt" details how corrupt science becomes public policy and where it is happening today, such as opioids, concussions, obesity, and climate change. It reveals the ascendance of science-for-hire in American life and government, from its origins in the tobacco industry to its current manifestations across government, public policy, and professional sports.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Well-heeled American corporations have long had a vested financial interest in undermining scientific consensus and fostering uncertainty. In his book, "The Triumph of Doubt," former Obama and Clinton official David Michaels delves into the intricate ways in which corrupt science becomes public policy and the prevalence of this phenomenon in contemporary society.

Opioids, concussions, obesity, and climate change are just a few of the everyday crises that plague America, posing significant threats to the nation's health. Despite the devastating impact of these problems, government inaction is often met with familiar refrains such as "The science is unclear," "The data are inconclusive," "Regulation is unjustified," and "It's a slippery slope." However, Michaels challenges these assumptions and provides a comprehensive account of the rise of science-for-hire in American life and government.

The book traces the origins of science-for-hire in the tobacco industry in the 1950s, where corporations employed scientists to manipulate research and cast doubt on the health risks associated with smoking. This practice expanded to other industries, including pharmaceuticals, where companies hired scientists to promote their products and downplay potential side effects.

Today, science-for-hire is prevalent across government, public policy, and even professional sports. Michaels offers a chilling glimpse into the machinations and scope of manipulated science in American society, shedding light on how it is used to shape public opinion, influence policy decisions, and undermine scientific consensus.

Through his unprecedented access to key players and confidential documents, Michaels reveals the ways in which corporations, political interests, and lobby groups exploit scientific uncertainty to advance their own agendas. He exposes the tactics used to manipulate research, suppress dissenting voices, and manufacture doubt, including the use of think tanks, public relations firms, and social media campaigns.

"The Triumph of Doubt" is an urgent and revelatory work that promises to reorient conversations around science and the public good for the foreseeable future. It challenges readers to question the credibility of information they encounter and to demand transparency and accountability from those in positions of power. The book serves as a warning that the erosion of scientific consensus and the promotion of misinformation can have far-reaching consequences for society as a whole.

In conclusion, "The Triumph of Doubt" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between science, politics, and public policy. It is a powerful indictment of the ways in which corporate interests, political agendas, and lobby groups manipulate science to advance their own goals, and a call to action for individuals and organizations to demand more scientific integrity and transparency in our society.

Weight: 506g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197675311