To the contrary, many climate scientists DO vigorously debate many parts
of the global warming theories: Specifically, how much influence the
increasing trace amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere have on global
temperatures. Also, whether humans can make an appreciable or worthwhile
difference even with radical measures. Given the extraordinary
complexity of climate, there are also difficulties accurately modeling
future temperature readings. That is a scientific and political debate
that I believe, in the spirit of both scientific and political freedom,
should not be censored and silenced.
I am no science authority. But I just passed the Christian Science
Monitor science literacy test - " with flying colors " as they say.
Reading Brian Wilder's letter, " Journal reckless in publishing
dissenting views on global warming " and the editor's note ( hardly
irrational from the perspective of open democratic debate ) that the
issue is" worthy of vigorous debate " - I wonder if we have a Science
vs. Democracy crisis on your editorial page. Both the press and the
scientific establishment-both fundamentally elitist- must do more to
help the average voter understand the scientific method. To be sure,
truth in science is not established by majority vote. It is established
by rigid standards of inquiry. A democratic tyranny is impossible in
science. Only Truth is sovereign here. And of course that truth is never
absolute or unquestionable but relative and good enough for practical
purposes - or just further inquiry.
It is inevitable that your editorial page promote "
vigorous debate " on global warming. But like creationism, this is not a
debate within Science.
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Ron