FT253

Most people are not much bothered about science, and it’s easy to fall into the lazy view that “science says X” so it must be true. Forteans (and scientists) have a more subtle view, appreciating that science is a constantly evolving process, and that the accepted truths may change over time. Every so often, a Copernicus or a Darwin shows up and turns our conceptual universe upside-down. But in their wake they leave a third group who are becoming ever more prominent: deniers. Whether it’s climate change, HIV/AIDS or evolution, the deniers can have a major impact.


Freud introduced the idea of denial as a psychological defence mechanism.