http://www.skepticalscience.com/argument.php
The above site is one that was posted on Moodle called Skeptical Science. On that linked page, 105 popular arguments are laid out and then refuted by science, graphs, and cited papers. Some of the arguments I recognized as ones in Crichton's book, like increasing Antarctic ice, decreasing sea-levels, and cooling temperatures. Some I've heard in real life, like "Its freaking cold!", which argues that record lows and snowfall in current times are a clear indicator that global warming can't be happening. What makes this page of arguments against arguments tick is that it painstakingly covers the three biggest claims against global warming: 1, its not happening; 2, its not us; and 3, its not bad.
The most interesting argument, to me, was that Antarctic ice is increasing. While this is true, the site argues, its important to realize the difference between the decreasing land ice and increasing sea ice. Other arguments on the site were also based on differences like these that non-scientists or researchers wouldn't realize. Instead, people latch on to facts that are out of context in order to defend/destroy an argument. Thus, a person's knowledge has become a collections of buzzwords and statements. The Skeptical Science page did a good job recognizing those buzzwords and their compilation attacks from that angle.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I agree that people seem to argue with the less important aspects simply just to prove a point even if its hardly applicable or relevant. It seems like people take an interest in the "glitz" and "glamour" portion of global warming as oppose to the actual purpose (which seems to be lost). People interject their own personal values and subjectification subconsciously, and I feel like this tends to have a biased affect of the actual science itself. People are interested in the "buzz words," as you mentioned. It's another way to maintain a status quo within society or to be quantized/categorized and it seems as though this may get in the way of the actual purpose or intention.
ReplyDeleteI think that there are soooooo many theories and arguments on global warming that you couldn't possibly argue one side or the other without leaning heavily on buzz words, controversy, or just crazy claims. We've all heard all sorts of facts and we're just desensitized to them. Plus, now people are making up facts...? I mean, why would any real science even matter anymore. As sad is out sounds, i think scare tactics, phonie stories, and big movies are the only way to sway anyone know.
ReplyDeleteThere's just so much confusion on this topic that it's just easier to be illogical about it and base your opinion on headlines.
"people latch on to facts that are out of context in order to defend/destroy an argument. Thus, a person's knowledge has become a collections of buzzwords and statements."
ReplyDeleteI think you just described perfectly what people get out of watching The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. Select clips of talking heads are mashed together, Stephen says something witty, and the audience has learned a new "fact" from a comedy central news reporter.