How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Denialism

Explanations > Beliefs > Denialism

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Denialism is the avoidance of uncomfortable truth, plus the attempt to spread beliefs such that others do not accept the truth.

Denialism can be found when a person:

• Blindly believes that something is not true.
• Realizes that something may be true, but avoids uncomfortable thoughts about this.
• Knows that something is true, but denies this truth in conversation with other people.

It can take many forms, including:

• Avoidance of information that might prove the truth.
• Avoidance talking about the subject with others, for example by steering the conversation away from this.
• 'Cherry picking', or selectively seeking evidence that can be used to sow doubt and dismiss any other evidence of the truth.
• Claiming contrary knowledge or experience.
• Claiming that the truth is a result of a conspiracy theory.
• Quoting 'experts' who have denied or doubted the truth.
• Using other coping mechanisms to avoid having to face the truth.
• Actively campaigning against the truth.
• Attacking the person or organization promoting the truth.
• Using other fallacies in arguments against the truth.
• Using wide-scale propaganda against the truth.
• Removing funding from bodies that seek the truth.
• Seeking to punish those who promote the truth, including through legislation.

Example

Common areas that are subject to denialism include climate change, war crimes, AIDS, evolution, food science.

A country's ruling body realizes that addressing climate change will be expensive and could impact the economy and business. Politicians hence use a propaganda campaign and remove funding from climate change research.

Discussion

Denialism is common in politics where to accept the truth would mean accepting that the political ideology is wrong or where this acceptance would lead to actions that are politically inconvenient. The same is true in cultures and religions.

Denialism is different from a simple denial in its systemic and almost religious approach, typically seeking to eradicate significant historical events or scientific findings. In this, it often aims to change the beliefs and actions of an entire society.

So what?

When you have a truth that is being denied, seek to present evidence in forms and in situations where those you would persuade cannot deny it.

When you are faced with denialism about a big and important topic, get organized and expect a long and difficult battle.

See also

Conversation techniques, Argument, Coping mechanisms, Propaganda