This square exploits the openness of scientific deliberation. There is an exploit when demands and requests become abusive. Nobody is entitled to room service. Besides, science is a race, not a boxing match.
Understandably, this square is connected to #ButScience. Can channel #ButAnonymous if it includes “debate me, coward.” Can also channel #ButMyGuru if the “me” extends to one of contrarians’ guru.
Examples
These discussions are vital. Sad to see scientists blocking debate.
(PeterD)
You’re more than welcome to call the Charles Adler Tonight show I’ll be filling in on to have a conversation.
(ZackH)
Objections and Replies
Avoid. At least twice now you avoid criticizing my model illustrating—
☞ Nobody is entitled to room service unless commitments have been made. Rather than engage these people with deep down details which invite obfuscation, I think it’s best to focus on the essence of the problem, which they have no idea how to rebut (Scott Denning).
Censorship. When scientists block papers from publication they commit—
☞ Peer review, which is imperfect and hard for everyone. Those who whine about being censored tend to have (a) self-promoting segments in reactionary outlets to cry about censorship and (b) their papers published.
Coward. If you do not debate me, you’re a—
☞ We only have one life. Contrarians profit more from a boxing match model of disputation than a race: they have no bench to speak of. So thanks for playing {1}.
Moderation. Blog X and Y deletes any kind of civil response challenging—
☞ Online platforms have terms of service. Moderation is here to stay. If contrarians don’t like that they can go hide under their beds. Also, 1357 {2}.
Omertà. You don’t say anything against the established viewpoint beca—
☞ To name names, Jim Hansen and Keith Anderson have been critical of the IPCC’s conservativeness. Even the Auditor is wont to acknowledge that he does not say publicly everything that he thinks. That’s how humans roll.
Open. Open the debate!
☞ Scientists tend to ignore those who ignore science and just stick to predetermined narrative.
Silencing. Scientists are silencing dissenting voices—
☞ You mean How Exxon Silences Staff Alarmed by the Climate Crisis, According to a Former Employee?
Notes
{1} Thanks for playing! Respect yourself enough so you don’t have to give attention to anyone you feel disrespects you.
{2} True Censorship. True censorship
Readings
2018-10; Debate Me.
Climateball Episodes
2003-01; Soon and Baliunas controversy.
2011-10; Roy Spencer Persecuted By Own Data; on the Remote Sensing kerfuffle.
2014-01; Recognizing a pattern; on the Pattern Recognition kerfuffle.
ClimateBall 