Socrates
Nice to meet you Mr Smith. I hear you are very concerned about dangerous global warming.
Mr Smith
Yes, we are facing an alarming prospect of a global warming catastrophe.
Socrates
What gives you such concern?
Mr Smith
Emissions of CO2 from burning fossil fuels.
Socrates
How were these fossil fuels formed?
Mr Smith
Various plant forms grew, died and formed fossil fuels before and during the Carboniferous Period.
Socrates
Was there dangerous global warming prior to the Carboniferous Period?
Mr Smith
No. There’s no evidence of dangerous global warming prior to the Carboniferous period.
Socrates
So where did the carbon in fossil fuels originate?
Mr Smith
Plants absorbed CO2 from the atmosphere prior to the formation of fossil fuels.
Socrates
So the CO2 absorbed by plants is now being released from burning fossil fuels.
Mr Smith
It must be so.
Socrates
You have observed there was no dangerous global warming prior to CO2 being absorbed to form fossil fuels, so how could the same CO2 now being released cause dangerous global warming?
Mr Smith
I find the implication of your question provocative and disturbing. You should know there is a move to bring charges against you for corrupting youth with your philosophical questions.
Socrates
I am well aware that people are disturbed by my philosophical enquiries which reveal the truth with compelling logic and facts which refute long held beliefs. Our conversation has been no exception.
Mr Smith
I have to go now.
A Socratic approach on climate change « JoNova
Nice to meet you Mr Smith. I hear you are very concerned about dangerous global warming.
Mr Smith
Yes, we are facing an alarming prospect of a global warming catastrophe.
Socrates
What gives you such concern?
Mr Smith
Emissions of CO2 from burning fossil fuels.
Socrates
How were these fossil fuels formed?
Mr Smith
Various plant forms grew, died and formed fossil fuels before and during the Carboniferous Period.
Socrates
Was there dangerous global warming prior to the Carboniferous Period?
Mr Smith
No. There’s no evidence of dangerous global warming prior to the Carboniferous period.
Socrates
So where did the carbon in fossil fuels originate?
Mr Smith
Plants absorbed CO2 from the atmosphere prior to the formation of fossil fuels.
Socrates
So the CO2 absorbed by plants is now being released from burning fossil fuels.
Mr Smith
It must be so.
Socrates
You have observed there was no dangerous global warming prior to CO2 being absorbed to form fossil fuels, so how could the same CO2 now being released cause dangerous global warming?
Mr Smith
I find the implication of your question provocative and disturbing. You should know there is a move to bring charges against you for corrupting youth with your philosophical questions.
Socrates
I am well aware that people are disturbed by my philosophical enquiries which reveal the truth with compelling logic and facts which refute long held beliefs. Our conversation has been no exception.
Mr Smith
I have to go now.
A Socratic approach on climate change « JoNova
