Social Science Perspectives on Trust and Mistrust of Climate Science
Thursday, April 15, 2021. 8:00 - 11:00 am
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The Mellon-Sawyer Seminar on Trust and Mistrust of Science and Experts brings together scholars from multiple disciplines, engaging the Columbia University community and the surrounding public in productive discussion on issues of trust and mistrust, in the form of reading groups, public forums, and workshops. We aim to build a series of conversations among different parts of the university by moving thematically through four orienting cases: (1) rhetoric, risk, and trust in climate science; (2) minority communities’ trust in science; (3) the politics of vaccination; and (4) trust in algorithms. These are subjects where the tensions and difficulties underlying discussions of trust are exposed in stark relief.
What are the sources of skepticism about climate change and/or mistrust of climate science? What processes, mechanisms and dynamics are implicated in provoking and prolonging the debate about climate change? To what extent are these specific to the climate debate, and to what extent they are representative of a broader mistrust in experts? What can be done to increase trust in climate science or consensus around appropriate measures or interventions?
We will explore these questions and more with an esteemed panel of social scientists including Myanna Lahsen, Peter Weingart and Stanford STS Program Director, Paul Edwards. Moderated by Gil Eyal.
This virtual event is free and open to the public. Register now! We hope to see you there.
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