Thread by @AlexEpstein

I had experience today that I believe showcases how universities can and should foster the open discussion of ideas.

I spoke to Prof @RogerPielkeJr’s “Energy, Policy and Society” class about the future of fossil fuels.

Here are 4 things that impressed me about Roger’s class.
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1. Expressing strong challenges and disagreements with politeness.

I was impressed by the fact that whatever the level of a given student’s (or Roger’s) apparent agreement or disagreement with me, they expressed themselves with politeness and nothing resembling personal attacks.

2. Understanding someone’s views before challenging them.

I was impressed by the several students who challenged me *based on an accurate portrayal of my views*.

This is in wonderful contrast to the “straw-manning” of controversial views that often occurs on campuses.

For example, one student accurately described my views on the injustice of restrictions on fossil fuels to the poor world, but asked if a “carbon tax” would be appropriate for the rich world.

You can read some of my perspective on this issue here:

https://twitter.com/AlexEpstein/status/1450554801574526980?s=20

3. Genuine interest in issues and ideas.

I was impressed that the students asked questions about aspects of energy/environment/climate that they clearly cared about, and were interested in my views on, vs. asking questions to virtue signal or to show off.

4. A professor without a political agenda.

While @RogerPielkeJr and I agree on quite a bit, we also disagree on quite a bit policy-wise. He could have tried to “protect” his students from my influence, but instead let them think for themselves about my arguments/positions.

As new institutions and movements emerge to encourage the open discussion of ideas (e.g., University of Austin), they should make sure to consult professors like @RogerPielkeJr who are currently doing a great job at fostering open discussion.

CC free speech advocates @JTLonsdale, @RubinReport, @SamHarrisOrg, @benshapiro, @ShellenbergerMD, @bariweiss, @peterboghossian, @joerogan, @lexfridman.

Check out @RogerPielkeJr if you haven’t already. He’s done a lot to promote rational discourse and sadly gotten a lot of abuse.