How conspiracy theories about COVID’s origins are hampering our ability to prevent the next pandemic
Edward C. Holmes, University of Sydney; Andrew Rambaut, University of Edinburgh; Kristian Andersen, Scripps Research Institute; Robert Garry, Tulane University
CNN
July 31, 2025
Viewpoint Detected:
Strong
Fallacies Detected:
Straw Man, Appeal to Emotion, False Dilemma, Biased Language
credAIble Evaluation:
The article strongly defends the zoonotic origin hypothesis for COVID-19 and criticizes lab-leak theories. However, it mischaracterizes some opponents by conflating all lab-origin discussions with conspiracy theories (straw man). It leverages fear of future pandemics and funding cuts to provoke concern (appeal to emotion), while implying a binary choice between accepting the zoonotic theory or undermining science (false dilemma). Additionally, dismissive terms like “conspiratorial narratives” and “anti-science agenda” exhibit biased language. Though grounded in cited evidence, the argument's tone and framing diminish its objectivity and reduce space for nuanced scientific discourse.