Chapter 13, Problem 13.6CTE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Apply knowledge that you have gained in this chapter and one or more of the FLaReS principles to evaluate the following statements or claims.
A scientist claims that the increase in the atmosphere concentration of carbon dioxide from 0.02% to 0.04% is not important in terms of global warming. His reasoning is that the water vapor makes up about 2-3% of the atmosphere and water vapor is only about one-tenth as effective as CO₂ as a greenhouse gas; thus, the 0.02% increase in CO₂ is equivalent to trivial 0.2% increase in water vapor.

Concept Introduction:

FLaReS are a set of rules to test a claim:

Falsifiability: is there any evidence to show that the claim is false.

Logic: Any evidence provided in support of claim must be of sound reasoning. The conclusion follows inevitably from its premises provided the premise is true.

Replicability: If a claim is based on experimental result it is necessary for the evidence to be replicable in subsequent experiment or trial.

Sufficiency: Burden of the evidence for any claim rests on the claimant. Extraordinary claims demand extraordinary evidence. Evidence based on authority and or testimony is never adequate.

If a claim possess all four, then it might be true. On the other hand, it could still be proven false. However, if a claim fails even one of the FLaReS tests it is likely to be false.