BPSDB If someone refers to you as a “Denier”:
To convince them that you are a “Skeptic”, NOT a “Denier”:
- Ignore the label and keep the discussion focused on the issue(s) of substance;
- Point to and discuss the relevant facts and evidence;
- Use reliable sources, either peer reviewed science or sources that track back to real science;
- Be sure that your position accepts and accounts for all of the generally known facts that you are not explicitly disputing;
- Ensure that your position is based on a logical argument;
- Be flexible, ready to modify your position if it is shown that you erred or misunderstood;
- Be consistent and rational; stay focused on facts and insist that your opponent do so as well.
- Follow ‘The Skeptical Manifesto” as best you can.
To convince them that you probably ARE a Denier:
Do:
- Quibble about the term, complain that it is offensive and an attempt link you with the Holocaust or some other such irrelevant nonsense;
- Keep insisting that the perfectly correct English word ‘Denier’ not be permitted, do not allow any discussion of whether it was used correctly or not;
- Insist that you are a “Skeptic” even though you don’t really know what that means;
- Call them names and accuse them of ad hominem attacks. Don’t worry if you don’t really know what ‘ad hominem’ actually means.;
- Go off on tangents, talk about anything except the actual issue;
(more…)
Advertisements
