Why engage with deniers at all? Is it disingenuous and harmful to do so?

Question

There seems to be no alternative scientific theory for what else might be causing the majority of current warming other than greenhouse gases. The "it's the sun" argument has been thoroughly debunked. So what's left?

Where are the supposed skeptical scientists we keep hearing about?

What, exactly, is their alternate theory?

Where is the alleged "debate" we keep hearing reference to? Links to papers please...

Science embraces skepticism, but does credible science contrary to AGW theory (documenting in detail any alternative mechanism for current warming) simply not exist?

So having arrived at this point, does continuing to enage with people who are stuck in denial perpetuate the false impression that there's some sort of rational debate involved?

Are we conveying a false impression by appearing to elevate their unfounded beliefs to equal status?

Does our engagement with them make us co-promoters of the disinformation problem?

Answer 1

In order to arrive at the truth of a matter it is imperative to consider both sides of an argument. To fail or refuse to do so is to become dogmatic, which belongs in the realm of religion - not science. Historically, some of science’s greatest advances came not from the commonly held theory, but from the dissenting view that was marginalized until it could no longer be denied.

Answer 2

"Why engage deniers?"  Because you can't rule us without our consent.

"Is it disingenuous and harmful to do so?"  Disingenuous??  Absolutely, since the entire argument is calculated to take from me what is mine (my freedom and my money).  Harmful?  Only if you succeed.

Edit:  Where's the proof the Sun doesn't cause global warming?

Answer 3

Why does it matter so much to you what others believe? If you believe global warming is caused by greenhouse gases, that's okay. I wouldn't get all worked up about us non-believers.

Answer 4

Dude, why don't you just turn in your passport, apply for your National I.D. card, implant your kids with a GPS chip, renounce the constitution and vote for Hillary already. Get it over with! You're h**l bent on letting the leftist elite control your life and decide for you how to be happy! Get it over with already.

Answer 5

Why would you think the world is coming to an end because humans may have caused the planet to warm by half a degree.  What is you scientific background to assume that a degree or even 5 degrees is necessarily all negative.  What is it in the alarmist psyche that refuses to see potential benefits to warming.  If it warmed naturally, surely you might see some benefits, but apparently if their is any indication that humans may have caused the warming, that would be enough for you to assume that it must be bad.  Alarmists attempt to end the debate is pathetic and ridiculous and smacks of desperation.