Debating science with the non-science

S.A.M.

S.A.M.

uniquely dreadful
Valued Senior Member
How should people in science fields debate scientific topics with those who are not in science fields?
 
With forty one thousand seven hundred and sixty two posts, I fear that you are the only one capable of answering such an apples to pears type question.

(Side question: How long have you used sciforums?)
 
Hmm I already found number one:

1. By addressing the topic and not the poster
 
Apples to pears...

I dunno, maybe the scientists should higher some kind of in depth science to layman's terms translator?
 
I'm disappointed that the average response to questions by non-science posters is
argue1.gif


Thats not an argument that would convince me.
 
S.A.M. said:
I'm disappointed that the average response to questions by non-science posters is
argue1.gif


Thats not an argument that would convince me.
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Well I did address the topic, didn't I ?
And I don't think it was unfair to let John back up his extraordinary claim.
To be honest I expected him to investigate his own claim and come to the conclusion that he was wrong.
Maybe that was somewhat naive of me..
 
Unless you defined the terms first. The concept of life as defined by science may not be the same as defined by the layman. There are people who do not consider a fetus as live.
 
S.A.M. said:
Unless you defined the terms first. The concept of life as defined by science may not be the same as defined by the layman. There are people who do not consider a fetus as live.
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Well, we are at a science forum. I can expect people to at least know the scientific definitions..

I don't get your use of "unless" here..
 
Its a discussion forum frequented by a wide variety of people of all ages from around the world, many of whom do not even have EFL. Your expectations are a bit over the top, IMO.
 
S.A.M. said:
Its a discussion forum frequented by a wide variety of people of all ages from around the world, many of whom do not even have EFL. Your expectations are a bit over the top, IMO.
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To be honest I expect everyone to know that trees are alive, no matter what background they have.
If John had taken the trouble to look up the scientific definitions he would have been aware of them.
And perhaps even admitted that he had been wrong, but I doubt it.

But was it really so strange to expect an argument from him ?
What if I claimed that insects evolved from birds.. wouldn't you want me to back up that claim ?
 
How should people in science fields debate scientific topics with those who are not in science fields?
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Encourage them to read/research the requisite literature on the topics they are attempting to discuss. Not attending physics at a university is no excuse for ignorant opinion. I'm not particularly good at astrophysics. As such, I don't debate topics related to it. Nor do I hold strong opinions on any of the debates.

Because holding opinions on topics you know almost nothing about is childish.
 
Tyler said:
Encourage them to read/research the requisite literature on the topics they are attempting to discuss. Not attending physics at a university is no excuse for ignorant opinion. I'm not particularly good at astrophysics. As such, I don't debate topics related to it. Nor do I hold strong opinions on any of the debates.

Because holding opinions on topics you know almost nothing about is childish.
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Not necessarily. There are many scientists who also hold firm opinions on things they know nothing about. :p

Enmos said:
:confused:
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And some people consider a fetus as not live and hence not deserving of rights.

If you have to make an argument, you have to define your parameters.
 
Enmos said:
What if I claimed that insects evolved from birds.. wouldn't you want me to back up that claim ?
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Dont ask me, ask sam.

Believe me when i tell you Enmos that YOU are a fundamentalist. That is why you and sam tolerate each other.
 
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