Acclaimed author, researcher Naomi Oreskes to present at The Commons

LAWRENCE — Naomi Oreskes, co-author of “Merchants of Doubt” and a world-renowned geologist, historian and public speaker, will present “Why Trust Science?” at 5:30 p.m. April 5 at The Commons. Oreskes, a leading voice on the role of science in society and the reality of anthropogenic climate change, will give the public lecture at KU as part of a speaking tour of Kansas universities during the week.

Oreskes’ latest book, “Science on a Mission: American Oceanography from the Cold War to Climate Change,” (University of Chicago Press, 2021) explores the relationship between funding and scientific research, arguing that it is important for consumers of information to consider the provenance of patronage.

Additionally, Oreskes will offer an earlier event at 2 p.m. April 5. Students, staff, faculty and community members are encouraged to attend a Coffee @ The Commons event around “From Merchants of Doubt to the Big Myth: How a Historian of Science Became a Historian of Disinformation and Propaganda.” Coffee @ The Commons events begin with a short introduction to the topic, followed by an opportunity for discussion among participants.

In addition to her writing career, Oreskes is the Henry Charles Lea Professor of the History of Science at Harvard University. Her research interests include the history of environmental sciences, science policy, the philosophy of science, science and religion, science and technology studies, technology and society, and women and gender studies. Other books written or co-written by Oreskes include “The Collapse of Western Civilization,” (Columbia University Press, 2014) “Why Trust Science?” (Princeton University Press, 2019) and most recently, “Science on a Mission: American Oceanography from the Cold War to Climate Change” (University of Chicago Press, 2021). Her forthcoming book with Erik Conway, “The Big Myth: How American Business Taught Us to Loathe Government and Love the Free Market,” will be published by Bloomsbury in early 2023.

Attendees can view the evening talk online via Zoom webinar.

Oreskes’ visit at KU is supported by the Office of the Provost and The Commons.

Oreskes is scheduled to present at Kansas State University on April 6 and Fort Hays State University on April 7.