"Merchant of Doubt"

"Merchant of Doubt" refers to individuals or groups who intentionally spread uncertainty or misinformation about scientific evidence, often to delay regulatory action or protect special interests. They use tactics like cherry-picking data, creating false controversy, or questioning legitimate research to sow confusion. This strategy is commonly seen in debates over issues like climate change, tobacco health effects, or environmental hazards. The goal is to undermine public trust in scientific consensus, making it seem uncertain or disputed, even when evidence is solid. The term originates from a book by Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway that explores how such tactics have been used historically.