Denialist

A 'denialist' is an individual who rejects the established scientific or historical consensus on a particular issue, typically based on ideological, political, or economic motivations. They often employ tactics such as selective use of evidence, the promotion of conspiracy theories, and the distortion or misrepresentation of scientific findings or historical facts to maintain their position. The denialist may lack expertise in the field they are questioning and often relies on unsubstantiated claims, undermining credible research and consensus viewpoints to foster doubt.

Denialist meaning with examples

• The climate change denialist vehemently disputes the overwhelming scientific evidence linking human activity to global warming, often citing cherry-picked data and promoting inaccurate models, impeding efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Their arguments are frequently criticized by the broader scientific community.
• Historical denialists, like Holocaust denialists, attempt to refute or minimize documented atrocities, often spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories, inflicting pain on survivors and undermining historical understanding. They may argue that evidence is fabricated or exaggerated.
• Anti-vaccine denialists challenge the established medical consensus regarding the safety and efficacy of vaccines, spreading unfounded fears and misinformation about their potential side effects, contributing to reduced vaccination rates and outbreaks of preventable diseases. They reject medical research.
• Many individuals question and deny the existence of the Covid-19 pandemic, circulating conspiracy theories about the virus's origin and spread, leading to the rejection of mask-wearing, social distancing, and vaccination efforts, significantly impacting public health initiatives.
• The denialist often uses carefully selected information that agrees with their position, whilst ignoring or discrediting the evidence supporting an opposing point of view, fueling debate, disagreement and the general dissemination of incorrect views on specific matters.