on debating

Interesting essay on scientific vs. political debates over at Mano's blog. As a scientist, I think he's a bit too optimistic about scientists - psychology, at least, is no stranger to straw men, or to flank attacks. But his characterization of political debates seems right on. Though, really, just about everybody I know starts building scarecrows when the topic is an emotional one. It's easy to believe that one statement logically implies another, more offensive one when you've become sensitized to it. I guess the implied difference is that whereas this kind of sloppiness in thoughtful people comes from being emotionally overwrought, politicians and pundits are usually doing it on purpose.