Prof. Maya Goldenberg, Department of Philosophy, spoke to CBC News Online for a report on why some anti-masking groups are joining forces with anti-vaccination groups to amplify their message.

She said mistrust of government and scientific authorities are what unite anti-vaccination advocates with those fighting mask policies.

“When you don’t trust the sort of basic infrastructure that’s supposed to support public well being, you’re going to come up with all kinds of tactics to try to resist it,” she told CBC News.

Goldenberg studies the philosophy of science and medicine, including why some people refuse vaccines or become wary of science. Her new book, Vaccine Hesitancy: Public Trust, Expertise, and the War on Science, will be published next spring by University of Pittsburgh Press.