[Coda]

To the people who themselves are anti-intellectualist (though most don't actually call themselves that) their position is based on a fear that scientists and drug companies and politicians are trying to manipulate the public by using their position as "smart" people to claim authority and get their way. To them, their existing beliefs are "common sense" or "faith" and they don't like being made to feel stupid.

At the most extreme end of this viewpoint you get the Flat Earth Society. Less extreme (and therefore more sympathetic) includes several kinds of alternative medicine.