Mann's behavior toward his internal competitors is unfortunately normal in academia. Free discussion is a myth. Peer review serves to enforce orthodoxy, and the biggest forces define the correct theory and get the biggest grants, thus enlarging their force.
Mann's behavior toward external critics is NOT typical. Most academics simply ignore social media and don't bother to spend energy and money suing external critics.
Sharon: As a physicist I say Thank You for a very reasoned commentary. Of course Real Science is all about better understanding of the Truths of our existence. The point you did not make here is that Mann, et al have edged into Political Science — which instead is all about making Policies.
It should be obvious that Truths and Policies are not synonomous. When an opponent disagrees about Truths, we can go back and look at what the evidence says. In the latter case, when an opponent disagrees about Policies, the response is different: appeal to authority (consensus, etc.)
This situation is made even worse by the change in our value system. Through the last several centuries we relied on a Judeo-Christian set of moral standards (like do unto others...).
However, Relativism has simultaneously blossomed (not accidentally) with the switch from Real Science to political science. The new value standards include such memes as the end justifies the means. That is exactly how most climate alarmists act: scortched earth policy against anyone who has the temerity to question their political policies to "save the world from pending extinction."
Mann's behavior toward his internal competitors is unfortunately normal in academia. Free discussion is a myth. Peer review serves to enforce orthodoxy, and the biggest forces define the correct theory and get the biggest grants, thus enlarging their force.
Mann's behavior toward external critics is NOT typical. Most academics simply ignore social media and don't bother to spend energy and money suing external critics.
Sharon: As a physicist I say Thank You for a very reasoned commentary. Of course Real Science is all about better understanding of the Truths of our existence. The point you did not make here is that Mann, et al have edged into Political Science — which instead is all about making Policies.
It should be obvious that Truths and Policies are not synonomous. When an opponent disagrees about Truths, we can go back and look at what the evidence says. In the latter case, when an opponent disagrees about Policies, the response is different: appeal to authority (consensus, etc.)
This situation is made even worse by the change in our value system. Through the last several centuries we relied on a Judeo-Christian set of moral standards (like do unto others...).
However, Relativism has simultaneously blossomed (not accidentally) with the switch from Real Science to political science. The new value standards include such memes as the end justifies the means. That is exactly how most climate alarmists act: scortched earth policy against anyone who has the temerity to question their political policies to "save the world from pending extinction."