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You can't do much in modern western societies without coming into contact with (usually against) experts. We like to think that they are independent, objective and competent, yet practically every expert is employed either by private companies or the state: they are servants of power. And everyone knows how narrow, useless and disabling they are when it comes to the important questions in our daily lives. Political activists and other dissenters who typically engage in activities which deny, or set them against the system, says Martin, need to know how to handle its agents; this book will help to 'strip them naked'. Using case studies it describes various ways of doing this, showing how a few critics can mount remarkably effective challenges to a powerful scientific establishment. It covers not just the usual tactics like challenging the facts, and others like shifting the focus of debate if you are losing, but also the more questionable practice of attacking the expert's character and lifestyle. This may seem unfair, but Martin urges activists to investigate the opposition's background because, a) it will often reveal them as incompetent / stupid / unethical and, b) they won't hesitate to use any negative information they find out about you.

Written by Brian Martin, published by Freedom Press, 1991.

Product Code: 9780900384639