How do you handle debates with non-scientists?
RiderOfGiraffes: I read recently (sorry - can't remember where) of a scientist at a party that was also attended by a number of astrology (not astronomy) practitioners and aficionados. He noticed that they were in discussion, and although some clearly disagreed with others, they were accepting of positive points, and offered alternatives to those points with which they disagreed.In constrast, he noticed, the science types would attack every statement, poking, prying, stressing, stretching, twisting, and generally trying to find weaknesses.This is what scientists do by nature and training, and non-scientists often find it aggressive, intrusive, and downright rude.I've found that striving for agreement and then working from that, is more successful than presenting what you think is a robust rebuttal, followed by a water-tight case. Find good points in what they say, and then lead them step by step.  Be constructive, and respect that their opinions are their opinions.  Telling them they're wrong won't help your case.In short, you can't debate with non-scientists in the sense you mean.  You need to create consensus and build on that.