Tribalism, Science Denial, and its Violation of Stephen J. Gould's NOMA Model

This presentation explores how tribalism fuels science denial by breaching Stephen J. Gould’s Non-Overlapping Magisteria model, which distinguishes empirical science from value systems. Tribalism leads to group polarization, imposing ideological beliefs on the realm of science and dismissing evidence that threatens group identity. Case studies, like the leaded gasoline controversy of the 20th century, demonstrate how loyalty to identity distorts scientific discourse. Psychological factors, such as confirmation bias, exacerbate this issue. By recognizing these violations, the presentation highlights the importance of interdisciplinary strategies to restore trust in science while respecting Gould’s framework, offering hope in combating science denial.