Global Warming Credibility?

Question

Prof. Stephen Hawking says that global warming is a threat to the future of humanity. Rev. Louis P. Sheldon on Fox Channel says that global warming is a hoax. Who has a higher IQ Hawking or Sheldon? Who knows more about science Hawking or Sheldon? Whose views are funded by big oil Hawking or Sheldon? Who is more credible Hawking or Sheldon?

Exactly the point of the question W W D. The detractors of global warming, who have no scientific credentials, rely too heavily on the ad hominem argument. I thought that it would be useful to pose the same type of argument in the opposite direction. The question should be decided by scientists on the basis of the evidence without interference from politicians or economic interest groups.

Todd the probability argument in American Thinker is not credible. The quantum states of 10e22 atoms in a laser media are not known to 99% precision. .99^10E22 is essentially zero so no laser should work by that argument. The same argument can be used against theories for any multi-body problem in physics and will be just as wrong. The global warming problem is fundamentally an energy balance equation and the answer is well known. The greenhouse effect is real. The details of all the energy transport mechanisms are not well known. There is uncertainty about the timing and distribution of effects, but not about the end state.

Answer 1

You're absolutely right, of course, but should also keep in mind that ad hominem arguments are one of the classical logical fallacies, so you may use this to make up your own mind but shouldn't use it as support in argument with others.

Answer 2

I doubt Rev. Louis P. Sheldon even knows who Stephen Hawking is and I know Stephen Hawking doesn't get his news from FOX!
I'll go with what Hawking says on the issue of global warming.

Answer 3

You don't need to ask those questions about science & IQ.
Working for Fox says it all. I would never give much credibility to any Fox employee.

As for global warming -- I don't know where you live, but almost everyone I talk to on line all over the world, are experiencing climate changes.

A hoax? I think not. The arctic ice is melting. Birds are not flying as far south as they used to, if at all.
I'm not up for debating it, just use your head, open your eyes and look at your environment and YOU decide.

Answer 4

Not only is global warming real, but it has passed the theological realm into an honest and goodness current day threat that is growing exponentially even faster than most computer modals projected. I think it fair to take an informed scientist more seriously than this pufferbelly reverend.

Answer 5

A reverend versus a physics professor on a science issue?
That's a bit unfair.
Of course, that's a generalization on my part; he could be a super-freaking genius Reverend or something.

But no. Global Warming is a fairly relevant issue. Even the current Bush Administration itself has admitted it.

Answer 6

The earth was warmer 800 year ago and carbon dioxide was higher. The earth will get cooler and warmer regardless of what man does.

Answer 7

yes it is for real and yes it will effect us but no t for a long long time, we will be dead. this is a natual occurance and the earth id going through a cycle this is not the first.

Answer 8

Bear this mind. At one time,
Greenland was green.
Global warming could be for real.
Or, it could be just a part of a
cycle.

Answer 9

HAWKING - hand down. this sheldon sounds like a doof.

Answer 10

where is the doubt..look around how nature has changed...not only tsunami and greenland and...the ice melting north of canada....who do you believe scientists or your own...eyes....
i think you should let your eyes do the talking..voila..hope it helps..