INTERVIEW
Faced with the current coronavirus epidemic, the scientific community is working to find a cure for the disease. This "race for the antidote" gives birth to a number of fantasies. Thus, calls to use chloroquine, defended by Professor Didier Raoult, are increasing, although the method used by the doctor is criticized by his colleagues. Gérald Bronner, sociologist specializing in collective beliefs and member of the Academy of Medicine, rejects the idea of a scientific "controversy": for him, at present, chloroquine is not accepted as a remedy.
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"Do not exaggerate the notion of controversy"
Guest of Europe 1 Saturday, Gérard Bronner describes the mechanics currently at work and surrounding the search for a remedy, a "great classic of conspiracy theory". The object of the controversy is chloroquine. If Professor Didier Raoult claims his effectiveness, the scientific community questions the methodology of his study.
Therefore, messages abound on social networks reporting a "controversy" and dissonant voices among experts. "The notion of controversy in the world of science should not be overstated," said the sociologist. According to him, Didier Raoult would rather be part of the "dissidents" faced with the broad consensus of experts: "sometimes they are right but more often than not they are wrong".
Explicit remarks?
Gérard Bronner recalls that the Marseilles doctor is a recognized figure within the scientific community and that his remarks may have been used to denounce an alleged "pressure from pharmaceutical laboratories". If he says "hope" that the professor is right, he recalls "the need to test an allegation that was made too quickly on the basis of data which are not well based on statistical considerations."
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Faced with skepticism, Gérard Bronner recommends relying only on recognized sources of information, such as the publications of the Academy of Medicine. The battle against disinformation is far from won: according to a joint study by the Jean-Jaurès Foundation and the Conspiracy Watch site, 26% of French people are convinced that the virus was created artificially in the laboratory.