Merchants of Doubt is a documentary film that explores the tactics used by certain individuals to spread doubt and misinformation about scientific consensus on various issues, such as climate change and tobacco smoking. The film delves into the lives of these "merchants of doubt" who have worked to undermine scientific evidence for their own personal or political gain.
The documentary highlights how these individuals use tactics such as cherry-picking data, creating false controversies, and attacking the credibility of scientists to sow confusion and delay action on important issues. Through interviews with experts and archival footage, Merchants of Doubt exposes the strategies employed by these individuals and the consequences of their actions on public perception and policy-making.
Ultimately, the film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of misinformation and the importance of critically evaluating sources of information. It calls on viewers to be vigilant against those who seek to manipulate the truth for their own agendas, and to support evidence-based decision-making in the face of uncertainty.