On Conspiracy Theories, Confusing Data, and Denialism (Observations of the Week)

1. An Observation on Denialism

There was a moment in history when the world’s brightest minds were subject to persecution for believing the earth orbited the sun, which was contrary to the popular belief that we were the center of the universe and that the sun orbited us. There was likewise an era when those who believed the world was round were subject to the inquisition. In each instance, there were deniers—Orbital Deniers and Global Deniers—and their denial was bolstered by the kings, the chur...