Socrates on the ropes

Lewandowsky put it this way. Ironically, he was particularly interested in "the persistence of misinformation in society, and how myths and misinformation can spread"; and the "variables that determine whether or not people accept scientific evidence, for example surrounding vaccinations or climate science."

His BU list of latest publications includes the "NASA faked the moon landing" paper – but there is no mention of the one posted on Frontiers.

Cutting through a jungle of psycho-babble is no easy task, but someone has to do it.

Lewandowsky et al claim here that:

"Although most experts agree that CO2 emissions are causing anthropogenic global warming (AGW), public concern has been declining. One reason for this decline is the 'manufacture of doubt' by political and vested interests, which often challenge the existence of the scientific consensus."

Rather than explore whether there might be valid reasons for questioning the "scientific consensus" – as suggested by global reaction last week to a leaked version the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Fifth Assessment Report – they instead explain it away by psychologising all scepticism as delusional, while concocting their own conspiracy theory: political and vested interests are deliberately undermining public concern by pumping out mischievous "doubt".

Meanwhile, back at UWA, MacDonald described STW academics as "experts in their fields who are making an important contribution to debate about these important global issues."

The University was, she wrote, "happy for them to use instead [of the UWA logo] a written acknowledgement such as:

"STW was established with the support of The University of Western Australia, Curtin University and Murdoch University. The blog is the product of the joint expertise of staff from these institutions and reflects their contribution to debate about climate change and social impact.""

Yet, paradoxically, there are UWA alumni whose views would be unwelcome on STW, despite their impressive work outside the Academy; such as Joanne Nova, Tony Thomas, and William Kininmonth, a contributor to Bob Carter and John Spooner's new book, Taxing Air - Facts and Fallacies about Climate Change.

UWA's Winthrop Hall Undercroft is dedicated to Socrates. The inscription on Victor Wager's 1932 statue states he "sought truth always by the path of open discussion and free enquiry. May his spirit preside here at all times."

In the University's centennial year, the Greek philosopher seems to be on the ropes again, despite being the inspiration for its "seek wisdom" motto. With his disciples effectively silenced, who will deter STW from continuing to promulgate unchallenged its hemlock of climate alarmism?