Episode Synopsis
Even before the pandemic, trusting experts had become synonymous with trusting science. But there’s a world of difference between “science” and the opinion of a scientist. In this episode I’ll examine the value, and the limitations, of expert opinion. Physician, epidemiology professor and podcaster Vinay Prasad (Plenary Session) will discuss the reasons certain experts get all the limelight while others, despite being better qualified, might be drowned out. He’ll also talk about the oversized role of Twitter in shaping public opinion. And risk communication consultant Peter Sandman and I discuss the ways experts have recently overstepped the bounds of their expertise and imposed their values and politics on us, couched as “the science”.
“Follow the Science” is produced, written, and hosted by Faye Flam, with funding by the Society for Professional Journalists. Today’s episode was edited by Seth Gliksman with music by Kyle Imperatore. If you’d like to hear more “Follow the Science,” please like, follow, and subscribe!
