Echoes of lysenko: state-sponsored pseudo-science in South Africa
Journal Article
2005
Permanent link to this Item
Authors
Journal Title
Social Dynamics
Link to Journal
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Publisher
University of Cape Town
Department
Faculty
License
Series
Abstract
A major factor hampering the rollout of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) for HIV/AIDS in the public health sector is state support of pseudoscience. This paper examines state-sponsored pseudo-science in South Africa with a particular focus on the case of Matthias Rath and his claim that HAART is an ineffective and harmful form of treatment and that multivitamins should instead be used as a substitute to treat and cure AIDS. The paper examines similarities and differences between state support in South Africa for AIDS-denialists such as Rath and state support in the former Soviet Union for Lysenko, a pseudo-scientist who lacked scientific training. In both cases, state support for pseudo-science has had policy implications, and resulted in many deaths.
Description
Reference:
Geffen, N. (2005). Echoes of Lysenko: state-sponsored pseudo-science in South Africa. Social Dynamics, 31(2), 183-210.