Péter Krekó

The pandemic resulted in a vast polarization of Western societies on issues related to scientific knowledge and authorities. Almost religious trust in science has become more dominant - especially in the urban middle and upper-middle classes, that manifested in higher willingness to follow lockdown regulations, wearing masks, and getting vaccinated. But for large segments in these societies (especially the ones who are - or who feel they are - the losers of the lockdowns), the pandemic resulted in higher levels of rejection of science (Lewandowsky), and a stronger wave of embracing irrational beliefs. Among these are not only conspiracy theories, but pseudo-scientific views as well, such as homeopathy, anti-vaccination theories, alternative medicines and cures, and many more. The pandemic put healthcare issues at the forefront and boosted the market for both traditional and non-traditional, scientific and pseudo-scientific medicines. Krekó discusses the dangers of this polarization and its long-term impact on political trust, policy debates in healthcare-related issues, and the status of science as a source of knowledge in Western societies.