Podcast: Pompous Pandemic Experts Know Less Than They Think

By Cameron English and ChuckDinerstein — Sep 05, 2024

Scientists often think they're smarter than they are because of their narrow academic expertise, according to a new study. Recent history is littered with corroborating examples in which experts made false declarations about COVID-19 and refused to acknowledge their errors. What drives this hubris, and how should the public respond to it?

Image by alanajordan via Pixabay

Join Cameron English and Dr. Chuck Dinerstein on Episode 89 of the Science Dispatch podcast as they discuss:

‘Trust Me, I'm an Expert’: The Pandemic Parade of Pompous Professionals

In a world where experts are our go-to folks for solving everything, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed just how fallible these specialists can be. Despite impressive titles and years of experience, many experts were just as clueless as the rest of us, often with unwarranted confidence. A recent study delves into the uncomfortable truth: the more knowledge you think you have, the less aware you might be of your actual ignorance.

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Cameron English

Director of Bioscience

Cameron English is a writer, editor and co-host of the Science Facts and Fallacies Podcast. Before joining ACSH, he was managing editor at the Genetic Literacy Project.