Science as the enemy: martyrs, prophets, and the delegitimization of medical authority in post-pandemic anti-vaccine discourse

This study examines how anti-vaccine discourse tries to dismantle scientific authority in post-pandemic contexts. Through Critical Discourse Analysis of two contrasting dialogues from Spanish conservative media (one confrontational, one ideologically aligned) we reveal that epistemic delegitimization strategies shift dramatically with audience composition. In confrontational settings, speakers deploy rationalized skepticism and construct 'reasonable layperson' figures; in aligned settings, discourse escalates to moralized conspiracy theories featuring 'epistemic martyrs’ and 'moral prophets.' The analysis, integrating anthropology of knowledge and social semiotics, demonstrates that anti-vaccine rhetoric functions as structured epistemic resistance rather than mere misinformation. By denaturalizing the category of 'denialism,' this work advances discourse studies’ understanding of how alternative knowledge systems challenge institutional authority during crises. The findings carry implications for science communication and public health strategy in digitally mediated environments.