Greg Bernhardt said:Good suggestion but we've tried to before and it just ended up inviting the type of members we don't want into the community and wasted member's time endlessly debating things like perpetual motion machines.
We only have so much energy and already some threads don't get the attention they deserve so we decided to channel as much energy as we can to our mainstream science forums.SeekingProtection said:Maybe put a deadline of a week. If the debate remains unresolved, let it be. It's for the visitors of the site to benefit from such discussions.
There is a list of specifically forbidden topics:Zeke137 said:A solution might be to provide a list of links to well-respected or -researched rebuttals of pseudoscience available online.
Yes, and we want to keep it that way. The reason many of us are here instead of other places is the zero-tolerance for nonsense. We do not want to be swamped by debunking threads where the OP simply refuses to acknowledge basic physics and often holds thought experiments in higher regard than actual experiments. It is not why we are here, we are here to discuss physics and to teach physics to people who want to learn about actual physics. Introduce such a forum and overall quality of PF would drop significantly.SeekingProtection said:This forum seems to have members who have a good grasp over Physics
phinds said:There is a list of specifically forbidden topics:
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/physics-forums-global-guidelines.414380/#post-3929007
some with links to debunking sites.
We don't need to explicitly list every forbidden topic. Only if it becomes a problem can we think of adding it to the list.pinball1970 said:I would add anti-vaxers to that list
To summarize the good answers above: been there, done that, doesn't work.SeekingProtection said:There is so much pseudo-science in this world, and everyone isn't knowledgeable enough to know if it is false or true. This forum seems to have members who have a good grasp over Physics, so how about a section which allows a user to post their doubts about certain technologies or effects, which are held to be false or pseudo-science, and knowledgeable members here can debunk them giving reasons why they are false or pseudo-science.
A "Debunk this" section is a designated area for individuals to submit claims or theories that they believe to be true, and for scientists to provide evidence and explanations to refute or debunk those claims.
A "Debunk this" section allows for open and respectful discussions about controversial topics and claims. It provides a platform for critical thinking and scientific reasoning, as well as an opportunity for individuals to learn and expand their knowledge.
Anyone can participate in a "Debunk this" section, as long as they are willing to engage in respectful and evidence-based discussions. Scientists, experts, and individuals with knowledge or expertise in a particular topic are especially encouraged to contribute.
It is important to critically evaluate the evidence and sources provided in a "Debunk this" section. Look for reputable and unbiased sources, and consider the expertise and qualifications of the individuals presenting the information.
While the goal of a "Debunk this" section is not necessarily to change people's beliefs, it can provide new information and perspectives that may lead to a shift in understanding. It is important to approach discussions with an open mind and be willing to consider new evidence and ideas.