I’d say considering the audience for the alternative medicine stuff and in many cases the potential for harm to the broader population it’s a greater public service to provide articulate critique. In fact, harder than engaging in a debate with other intellectuals.
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Replying to @VPrasadMDMPH @sameerbansilal
I will agree with this statement. But at no time I have I *ever* suggested debates with denialists, nor have skeptics like
@gorskon. That doesn't mean we ignore them. And it doesn't mean you're polite either. Treat it for what it is - spreading disinfo is antisocial behavior.1 reply 0 retweets 8 likes -
I've written more times than I can remember why it's a bad idea to debate quacks, pseudoscientists, and denialists, in fact.
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I'm not aware of any legit skeptics that do it. Most have learned the lesson of the Gish Gallop. A much more effective model is what is shown by Kevin Kruse takedowns of D'Souza. Analyze, educate, use humor, mock and shame where needed, and inoculate against future BS exposure.
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I've seen
@stevennovella do it with Julian Whitaker successfully, but it was risky and I jag my doubts. You really have to know both your stuff and antivax tropes. In retrospect, I penalty could have done it, but Steve is definitely better than I at it.https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/battling-antivaccinationists-at-freedomfest/ …3 replies 0 retweets 9 likes -
Replying to @gorskon @VPrasadMDMPH and
Interesting, didn't know Novella had done that. I still think debate is pointless with extremists - they will lie and break all the rules, so it's always a losing proposition. More than knowing your stuff, you have to be ready for dirty pool.
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Replying to @MarkHoofnagle @gorskon and
Yikes, now I've read your account, that was still a bad idea man. They clearly had tried to rig it but then got hoodwinked into debating against a ringer, so great job - but not likely a typical result.
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Replying to @MarkHoofnagle @VPrasadMDMPH and
Steve is great, but I was still worried. I was also relieved that Whitaker was worse than I'd expected beforehand at debating. Steve mopped the floor with him.
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As an aside, visiting FreedomFest was my first opportunity to see right wing grift firsthand. Oh, the scams they were asking in the convention hall!
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