Stile writes:
Let's say you think the earth is round, because you're normal.. but you're very interested in why some people think the earth is flat.
Wouldn't you go around discussing things with people who think the world is flat?
Well, yes, of course. After many years of discussions with creationists I've found that many share one trait in common, and that is how hard they work at not understanding anything they disagree with. The flat Earthers share this trait, as do most conspiracy theorists, of which Phat is now one.
Every whatever-denier has their reasons, which all lack evidence and consensus. This becomes quickly apparent. There's no need for years of discussion. It's more of a psychological study of the behavior of people in possession of irrational and/or contradictory beliefs.
And so we often say that we know the person we're debating with will reject the explanations on empty grounds and that our hope is that our explanations benefit the lurkers.
--Percy