Astrophysicist Mario Livio weighs in on science denial then and now

Mario Livio is the author of “Galileo: And the Science Deniers.”
Mario Livio is the author of “Galileo: And the Science Deniers.”
Courtesy Photo

Despite evidence, science deniers push back on a variety of issues including climate change, vaccinations and how to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even if the motivations behind the different types of denial aren’t the same, the effects can still be challenging.

However, science denial isn’t new. It’s something scientists — like Galileo Galilei — have dealt with throughout history. Galilei’s research and discoveries didn’t mesh with the teachings of the church, and he ultimately was put on trial for his scientific work.

MPR News host Kerri Miller looked back in history with astrophysicist Mario Livio at Galilei’s life and at science denial then and now.

Guest: Mario Livio is an astrophysicist and an author of several books about math and science. His latest book is “Galileo and the Science Deniers.”

To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above.

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