Merchants of Doubt

The film delves into the world of professional skeptics for hire, who are utilized to cast doubt on scientific facts and sow confusion among the public. It begins by illustrating how these "merchants of doubt" were first employed by the tobacco industry to question the links between smoking and cancer. The narrative then details how this successful model of obfuscation was adapted by various industries, notably fossil fuels, to challenge the scientific consensus on climate change. Researchers and historians trace the evolution of these tactics, elucidating how a sophisticated campaign of misinformation can manipulate both policy and public perception.

Through interviews with key figures, the film reveals the personal motivations and ethical quandaries faced by some of these skeptics. Magician and skeptic Jamy Ian Swiss is featured as he draws parallels between sleight of hand in magic and rhetorical tricks used to deceive the public. The documentary also spotlights whistleblowers and journalists who strive to expose these deceptive practices. Vivid visuals and compelling storytelling underscore the far-reaching impact of this manufactured doubt, demonstrating how vested interests can upend scientific understanding to protect economic gain. The narrative builds a comprehensive case showing how denialism corrupts discourse on vital issues, leaving the viewer to ponder the true costs of such deception.