Arguing from authority

Articles about climate skeptics

Posted by Coby Beck (Guest Contributor) at 2:11 PM on 22 Jun 2007

Read more about: climate | climate change skepticism | IPCC

Even while rejecting the authority of the most comprehensive and reviewed scientific document on any subject, namely the IPCC report, one of the most common climate delusionist tactics is the argument from authority. Whether it is Alexander Cockburn responding to George Monbiot or some anonymous person on some blog, everyone has some personal "scientist" friend who assures them the rest of the world has gone mad.

When an argument from authority is invoked it is perfectly legitimate to then examine said authority's, um ... authority, to see if there is really a good reason we should take their word over the word of ... well, just about everybody who would know.

I recently received notice of an excellent article about one such often-cited skeptic, the French geophysicist Claude Allegre. The article is here, is remarkably well referenced, and is written in a civil and engaging style -- it is so important to write about these people with respect, even if they rarely deserve it! Kudos to the author, whose screen name is "wacki" here on Gristmill. His main site is Logical Science.

I poked around a little and saw he has similar articles on Bob Carter, Bill Gray, Richard Lindzen, Bjorn Lomborg, Patrick Michaels, and a few others. And judging from the listing on an unlinked "contents" page (so I will keep it under my hat for now), a great deal more will come!

Go read his excellent work!

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WAKE UP

from links provided

>> Dr. James Hansen, arguably the best climate scientist on the planet.... his research was being suppressed ...... Dr. Rick Piltz resigned ...... Since that time, Congressman John Culberson (R-TX) has circulated a letter cosigned by dozens of congressmen and senators claiming Bush's 2007 budget "Eliminat[es] virtually all scientific research funded by NASA". >>>

Why does this behaviour NOT RING alarm bells here ????

We have SCIENTIST being repressed all over the world... and yet y'all just laugh. Oh, the IPCC is it!!!!, a political load of cow dung, a smokescreen, propaganda at its worst.

Why do y'all not see through what is going on ????

The world is headed for a MASSIVE Ice Age, politically this is not good eh?
But the people must know, and steps must be taken to prevent/mitigate tyhe consequences, even if the civilisation goes into melt down.

It is irresponsible for money to think the longer it can rule the better.

The children, the future is being held to ransom.

WAKE UP

Join S O S
Save OurSelves
omegafour.com

by JohnCaley at 4:25 PM on 22 Jun 2007

Common Crowd ? NO!

>> When an argument from authority is invoked it is perfectly legitimate to then examine said authority's, um ... authority >>

And thus the innocent but entirely truthful little guy that said

"What you guys on about ? That emperor HAS NO CLOTHES ON !"

Often in this age, the wool is pulled over your eyes, and like sheep y'all bleat together.

Thus is the difference between a scientist and laypeople; between science and politics.

Politics will bring the downfall of civilisation... it has done so many many times in the past.

BUT ScientistS walk their own walk.

by JohnCaley at 3:41 PM on 23 Jun 2007

ADVERTISING POLICY

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