F L I C C

The Techniques of Science Denial

Denialists across a range of topics use the same five rhetorical tactics to sow confusion: Fake Experts, Logical Fallacies, Impossible Expectations, Cherry Picking, and Conspiracy Theories. Click any technique below to explore its definition, see climate examples, and watch Denial101x debunking videos.

Based on Cook (2020), Hoofnagle (2007), Diethelm & McKee (2009), Lewandowsky & Cook (2020). Denial101x by University of Queensland & Skeptical Science.

Using FLICC in the Classroom
When students learn to recognize the techniques of science denial, they build resilience against misinformation. The FLICC framework can be used to analyze real-world claims across any science topic, from climate change to vaccines to evolution. For more resources, visit Skeptical Science and the free online course Denial101x.