The fallacy of generalization happens quite often. It is not uncommon, while standing with a group of friends, to hear someone say something like “all chick flicks are so ushy-gushy, I can’t stand ’em.” At the risk of overanalyzing small-time comments, it is quite common for generalizations to become the socially accepted definition of a term.
Case in point: global warming.
To Christian conservatives, the term “global warming” brings to mind images of hybrid-driving, peace emblem-wearing, long-haired hippies who constantly push for an obviously false ideal in hopes of gaining power. It is imperative, however, that good thinkers not commit this fallacy.
In the case of global warming there are, admittedly, difficulties in figuring out which side is the right side. People claiming to be “experts” constantly provide “evidence” to build a case for each side of the argument. Unfortunately for the everyday consumer of news, the explanations for either side are quite intricate and therefore inaccessible. Due to this difficulty, what is one to believe in regards to this controversial topic?
Before answering this question, I feel it is important to give a disclaimer. I am not an expert in the field of global warming. I stand in the same shoes as any average news consumer. Despite this fact, however, I consider myself proficient in what might be called evidential decision making. Thus, although I do not sit in the seat of the expert, I will provide this possibility, which I believe can be easily thought through and examined by the non-expert.
The evidence in favor of global warming is scarily overwhelming. First, there is a wealth of scientists possessing Ph.D.’s from Ivy League schools who give their expert assent to the fact that global warming exists and is a problem. Scientists across America with impressive degrees from Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Dartmouth have spent years researching this topic and have concluded that it is enough of a problem to bring to national attention. The cries of “global warming is just a trend,” may be true, but they do not negate the importance the topic itself. Trends in style are unimportant. Trends in the fate of our world are extremely important.
The second type of evidence that can show global warming is a legitimate concern is the effect it would have if it were true. With a quick glance around, it can be seen that people most often seek after things that are inside their comfort zone. Missions trips are not as popular as going to the movies, because, frankly, it’s easier to go to the movies. Growing up in the 21st century as Americans, the college generation has been taught a specific way of living: a comfortable lifestyle. If global warming were true, it would require a drastic overhaul of this comfortable lifestyle. Thus any mention of global warming is often characterized (very quickly) in negative terms in order to avoid a change in behavior.
There is much more to be said upon the subject of global warming. There are those who claim that the earth goes through cycles of heating and cooling. Scientific research has proved this to be fact, yet many contemporary scientists, most notably James Hansen, head of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies are questioning whether this heating is within the given parameters that are noted throughout history or are on a steep incline due to human activity. Without being an expert, one can initially see that a large number of well-educated scientists have given credibility to the fact that it is a problem. To merely dismiss them with the wave of a hand seems naïve.
In addition, to research by such noted scientists (such as the increase of carbon dioxide by over 30%) it seems that if global warming is true, it will require drastic changes to lifestyle that the average citizen has decided is fitting and comfortable. Thus, from the view of a self-proclaimed non-expert, it appears that global warming is indeed worth a thorough investigation and holds much validity.
