I thank you, also, Balog, for your well-written response.
I think we've almost resolved this, but just to be sure, respectfully, please let me address one of your statements.
... I think it's a bit disingenous to say comparing someone to a flat earther isn't an insult roughly comparable to calling them an idiot.
I'll quote what I wrote, then point out several things about it, just for clarity.
(For those who don't care, just ignore this post.)
(Please forgive me for picking these points, but if we're going to avoid conflict, then IMO we need to acknowledge word meanings carefully, lest we talk past one another. It's the teacher in that asserts the importance of being clear in both expression and interpretation, writing and reading very carefully, not reading into someone's words something that isn't there, which has often caused fights or wars.)
Furthermore, astrology is based upon Ptolemy's model of the universe, which fell from scientific grace at the hands of Copernicus in 1530.
That belief system is riddled with more logical fallacies than those who still argue that the Earth is flat or that evolution doesn't happen.
Some people take longer to grasp scientific reality than others.
Of course, the same could be said of those who deny the reality of global warming.
Four points.
1) Let's be clear about who I was calling "flat Earthers". If one reads carefully, it's clear that I was referring to
astrologers whose views are "riddled with more logical fallacies" than flat Earthers. Note that I refer explicitly to "
that belief system". After all, the model upon which astrology is based was discredited almost 500 years ago with the work of Copernicus. Why does that not rank with those who claim Earth is flat? (Not a rhetorical question.)
[Added by edit: 1B) They are free to believe anything they wish. That's a 1A right, and I'll fight for that right. I even know some folks that are into it. No "close friends", but friends of friends, and well meaning people. But when they start claiming that belief system is grounded in
science, then, then debate begins.]
2) Again, the word "
idiot" (= a person of subnormal intelligence) - does not appear in my statement. People who are above normal intelligence sometimes simply don't pay attention to new evidence and new models. It doesn't make them an "idiot", simply ignorant of new data. I think you can recognize that "ignorant" (= a state resulting from ignoring something) does not equal "idiot" (an inability to grasp something even if one does not ignore it).
3) The statement, "Some people take longer to grasp scientific reality than others" is independent of (does not follow from or depend upon) the previous statements. It stands on its own. (Imagine a line between that statement and the one above it.) Even so, taking longer to grasp scientific reality does not imply idiocy, merely the fact that not all are paying close enough attention to the latest evidence or changes in the models. It leaves open the very real (and likely) possibility that once they perceive the evidence, their view will change (ostensibly unlike the astrologers).
4) It is the latter characterization - not paying attention - that I suggest applies to those who are denying global warming. The large majority - including, I trust, members of APS - are simply not necessarily paying attention to the evidence, and do not deserve to be labeled as below normal intelligence. They are not idiots. Quite soon, the evidence will be overwhelming and they will "get it".
After all, many super intelligent people are involved in automobile accidents because they are not paying close attention to some issue. Perhaps the baby is sick in the back seat, they got a cell phone call, or took a bite of the burger while changing lanes, whatever. That doesn't make them idiots. It means they weren't paying attention. It can happen to anyone. I've done my fair share of oops.
Regardless of the short comings of my expression, that was the meaning I intended to convey.
I offer an apology to you, Monkeyleg or others who were offended by my expression.
____________
Added by edit:
I'm really appreciating the vibe over here.
It's night/day different from two years ago.
Nice job, guys. Very nice job.
The idea of "community policing" is cool.
Also, Monkeyleg, it just clicked for me who you are.
I knew I recognized your user name. But there so many
user names to keep track of for people we've never met.
I haven't heard from you in a while on THR.
Now, I know where you've been.
Sorry to make waves.
Interesting thread.
And for the record,
I've got more than a few
... strange relatives, also.
Be well.
Nem
Write, edit, write, edit more, post, edit,
then edit some more 'til we get it right.
