From #1: Yes, Germar Rudolf’s argument can be considered an argument from incredulity fallacy as it relies on disbelief rather than comprehensive evidence against established historical facts regarding the Holocaust.
This is a terrible response because 1) Germar himself has written and edited books dealing with broader topics (Lectures, Dissecting, Holocaust Encylopedia) which the AI is ignoring, 2) Germar does not claim that Chemistry of Auschwitz is a stand-alone text; he would admit that it exists within a broader literature/body of knowledge.From #2: A rigorous scientific examination would require considering these alternative explanations before drawing any conclusions. Rudolf's focus on a single piece of evidence, while ignoring a vast body of historical and forensic evidence supporting the historical narrative of the Holocaust, further strengthens the case that his argument constitutes an argument from incredulity.
I don't know if you are familiar with "Holocaust revisionism" but there is a "revisionist" named Germar Rudolf who published a report presented chemical samples from the walls of the gas chambers in Auschwitz. He argues that the lack of iron cyanide compounds in the homicidal gas chambers is evidence against the claim that there were regular gassings with Zyklon in that room, especially considering that iron cyanide compounds are found in the fumigation chambers where we know Zyklon was regularly used. Would Rudolf's book be an argument from incredulity fallacy?
The bias is quite strong here and it's much more heavy-handed than ChatGPT's response which was relatively more objective.Germar Rudolf's arguments regarding the lack of iron cyanide compounds in Auschwitz gas chambers are not solely an "argument from incredulity," although incredulity plays a role. His arguments are more accurately characterized as a misuse of scientific evidence and a form of pseudoscientific reasoning, combined with selective use of evidence and ignoring overwhelming counter-evidence.
While he presents chemical analyses, his argument suffers from several flaws that go beyond simple disbelief:
Ignoring the context and complexity of chemical reactions: The absence of specific compounds doesn't automatically negate the use of Zyklon B. Chemical reactions are complex, and the presence or absence of specific compounds can depend on numerous factors, including environmental conditions, exposure time, and the presence of other substances. Rudolf simplifies a complex chemical process to fit his predetermined conclusion.
Selective presentation of evidence: Rudolf focuses on a single piece of evidence while ignoring the massive body of historical documentation, eyewitness testimony, and other forensic evidence supporting the use of Zyklon B in the extermination process. This is a classic tactic of pseudoscience—cherry-picking data to support a pre-conceived notion while dismissing contradictory evidence.
Misinterpretation of data: Even if his chemical analysis were accurate (which is disputed by mainstream historians and scientists), his interpretation of the results is questionable. He draws conclusions that are not necessarily supported by the data itself. He fails to account for alternative explanations and existing counter-evidence.
Lack of peer review and acceptance: Rudolf's work has been widely rejected by the scientific and historical communities. His conclusions have not been accepted by reputable scientific journals or historians specializing in the Holocaust. This lack of peer review and acceptance further undermines the validity of his claims.
Therefore, while Rudolf might express disbelief in the established historical narrative, his arguments are not simply based on incredulity. They are flawed due to:
Oversimplification of complex chemical processes.
Selective presentation of evidence.
Misinterpretation of data.
Lack of peer review and acceptance within the relevant scientific and historical communities.
His work is better categorized as a form of Holocaust denial, utilizing deceptive scientific methods and ignoring the overwhelming weight of evidence to the contrary. It's a sophisticated attempt to create the appearance of scientific legitimacy for a fundamentally flawed and historically inaccurate conclusion.
Would you say that dismissing Rudolf on grounds of “argument from incredulity” would be a strong or a weak response?
I think the above is a pretty good explanation of the deficiencies of your debate style (dismiss detailed arguments and evidence with the word "fallacy").Dismissing Germar Rudolf's arguments solely on the grounds of "argument from incredulity" would be a very weak response (bold in original!). It fails to address the core issues with his methodology and the substantial body of evidence that contradicts his claims. Such a response would be considered intellectually dishonest and would avoid engaging with the substance of his arguments (however flawed they are).
A strong response would involve:
Addressing his specific claims: Point-by-point refutation of his chemical analysis, highlighting methodological flaws, misinterpretations of data, and the ignoring of contradictory evidence.
Presenting counter-evidence: Detailing the overwhelming historical documentation, eyewitness testimonies, and forensic evidence supporting the use of Zyklon B in the extermination process.
Highlighting the lack of peer review and acceptance: Emphasizing the rejection of Rudolf's work by the mainstream scientific and historical communities.
Exposing his motivations and biases: Acknowledging his connection to Holocaust denial movements and his clear bias in favor of a predetermined conclusion.
Simply stating that his arguments are unbelievable ignores the sophisticated, albeit deceptive, nature of his pseudoscientific approach. A strong response requires a thorough engagement with the specifics of his claims and a presentation of the overwhelming evidence that refutes them.
Told you that you would claim bias on the part of AI that disagrees with you! You cherry-picked one AI, without bothering to check any other.
You cherry-pick the response you like the most. Funny how the response you got from Merlin also rubbished Rudolf. It looks like you had previously asked Merlin, and it gave you that answer, so you ignored it!!!!!From #1: Yes, Germar Rudolf’s argument can be considered an argument from incredulity fallacy as it relies on disbelief rather than comprehensive evidence against established historical facts regarding the Holocaust.This is a terrible response because 1) Germar himself has written and edited books dealing with broader topics (Lectures, Dissecting, Holocaust Encylopedia) which the AI is ignoring, 2) Germar does not claim that Chemistry of Auschwitz is a stand-alone text; he would admit that it exists within a broader literature/body of knowledge.From #2: A rigorous scientific examination would require considering these alternative explanations before drawing any conclusions. Rudolf's focus on a single piece of evidence, while ignoring a vast body of historical and forensic evidence supporting the historical narrative of the Holocaust, further strengthens the case that his argument constitutes an argument from incredulity.
Incidentally, Merlin AI (which is based on Google's Gemini) gave me a quite different answer from you.
I don't know if you are familiar with "Holocaust revisionism" but there is a "revisionist" named Germar Rudolf who published a report presented chemical samples from the walls of the gas chambers in Auschwitz. He argues that the lack of iron cyanide compounds in the homicidal gas chambers is evidence against the claim that there were regular gassings with Zyklon in that room, especially considering that iron cyanide compounds are found in the fumigation chambers where we know Zyklon was regularly used. Would Rudolf's book be an argument from incredulity fallacy?The bias is quite strong here and it's much more heavy-handed than ChatGPT's response which was relatively more objective.Germar Rudolf's arguments regarding the lack of iron cyanide compounds in Auschwitz gas chambers are not solely an "argument from incredulity," although incredulity plays a role. His arguments are more accurately characterized as a misuse of scientific evidence and a form of pseudoscientific reasoning, combined with selective use of evidence and ignoring overwhelming counter-evidence.
While he presents chemical analyses, his argument suffers from several flaws that go beyond simple disbelief:
Ignoring the context and complexity of chemical reactions: The absence of specific compounds doesn't automatically negate the use of Zyklon B. Chemical reactions are complex, and the presence or absence of specific compounds can depend on numerous factors, including environmental conditions, exposure time, and the presence of other substances. Rudolf simplifies a complex chemical process to fit his predetermined conclusion.
Selective presentation of evidence: Rudolf focuses on a single piece of evidence while ignoring the massive body of historical documentation, eyewitness testimony, and other forensic evidence supporting the use of Zyklon B in the extermination process. This is a classic tactic of pseudoscience—cherry-picking data to support a pre-conceived notion while dismissing contradictory evidence.
Misinterpretation of data: Even if his chemical analysis were accurate (which is disputed by mainstream historians and scientists), his interpretation of the results is questionable. He draws conclusions that are not necessarily supported by the data itself. He fails to account for alternative explanations and existing counter-evidence.
Lack of peer review and acceptance: Rudolf's work has been widely rejected by the scientific and historical communities. His conclusions have not been accepted by reputable scientific journals or historians specializing in the Holocaust. This lack of peer review and acceptance further undermines the validity of his claims.
Therefore, while Rudolf might express disbelief in the established historical narrative, his arguments are not simply based on incredulity. They are flawed due to:
Oversimplification of complex chemical processes.
Selective presentation of evidence.
Misinterpretation of data.
Lack of peer review and acceptance within the relevant scientific and historical communities.
His work is better categorized as a form of Holocaust denial, utilizing deceptive scientific methods and ignoring the overwhelming weight of evidence to the contrary. It's a sophisticated attempt to create the appearance of scientific legitimacy for a fundamentally flawed and historically inaccurate conclusion.
I have dealt with that. I point out that I cannot argue the chemistry, due to my lack of knowledge, but others with greater knowledge, dispute his findings.And just for fun,
Would you say that dismissing Rudolf on grounds of “argument from incredulity” would be a strong or a weak response?Dismissing Germar Rudolf's arguments solely on the grounds of "argument from incredulity" would be a very weak response (bold in original!). It fails to address the core issues with his methodology and the substantial body of evidence that contradicts his claims. Such a response would be considered intellectually dishonest and would avoid engaging with the substance of his arguments (however flawed they are).
A strong response would involve:
Addressing his specific claims: Point-by-point refutation of his chemical analysis, highlighting methodological flaws, misinterpretations of data, and the ignoring of contradictory evidence.
That has been done, I have repeatedly pointed out that Rudolf is contradicted by the evidence and he cannot evidence a different function for the Liechenkellers.Presenting counter-evidence: Detailing the overwhelming historical documentation, eyewitness testimonies, and forensic evidence supporting the use of Zyklon B in the extermination process.
We all know his work has been rejected by his peers and he is no longer considered a credible scientist.Highlighting the lack of peer review and acceptance: Emphasizing the rejection of Rudolf's work by the mainstream scientific and historical communities.
He is a convicted Holocaust denier.Exposing his motivations and biases: Acknowledging his connection to Holocaust denial movements and his clear bias in favor of a predetermined conclusion.
I have not just dismissed his work as a fallacy. I have repeatedly pointed out the other issues that you got AI to list, just for fun. AI has backed my arguments up and rubbised Rudolf.Simply stating that his arguments are unbelievable ignores the sophisticated, albeit deceptive, nature of his pseudoscientific approach. A strong response requires a thorough engagement with the specifics of his claims and a presentation of the overwhelming evidence that refutes them.
I think the above is a pretty good explanation of the deficiencies of your debate style (dismiss detailed arguments and evidence with the word "fallacy").
ChatGPT that you quoted saidArchie wrote: ↑Thu Dec 19, 2024 2:21 pm All of the AI companies openly say that they have programmed their engines not to be racist, anti-Semitic, not to deny the Holocaust, etc. Generally speaking, if you directly ask it about H revisionism it triggers a bunch of pro-Holocaust boilerplate. That is to be expected. Where have you been the last two years? Lol.
In this instance, I asked it whether Germar's book can be dismissed because of "argument from incredulity." And the answers I get indicate no.
I did respond. Here;I see you did not respond to the part from I quoted about your response be "very weak."
Yes he does, because no there is no evidence that the Liechenkellers were used for another purpose 1943-4. Despite the time he has spent at A-B, he has never found evidence to support the various claims made, or for him to come up with a theory of his own.
No, it is not, as I have and now AI repeatedly explains.(although that alone is a very strong argument)
What is that evidence of, if it is not evidence of a gas chambers? I know Rudolf is a chemist, but he could have had a stab at the history of the Kremas.... and instead investigates, for example, the introduction columns, introduction holes, support mechanisms, the visible iron rods, stress and fracture points on the extant remains, air flow to assess oxygen depletion, i could go on forever. And that's just Birkenau.
My AI? Clearly, despite accusing me of cherry-picking, Archie has cherry-picked an answer and ignored all the other responses that state Rudolf's argument is logically flawed. Just because he cannot make his findings fit with the gassing claims, does not therefore mean he has proved no gassings took place.Given all of this, I wonder why your AI chatbot didn't address any of it?
Strawman fallacy in your behalf. Revisionists are wrong because their arguments are based on fallacies AND they cannot produce an evidenced history of what happened AND the evidenced history is that gassings took place.Archie wrote: ↑Fri Dec 20, 2024 4:52 pm Some of the fallacies Nessie uses very aggressively. The examples here will be approximate, from memory, but all of these are the sorts of things he says.
1) Argument from Fallacy - Dismissing a conclusion as false because a (supposed) fallacy has been committed.
"Revisionists are wrong because their arguments are based on fallacies." (Also a false premise)
It is not begging the question to say that since the Holocaust is evidenced to have happened, therefore Rudolf's conclusion is wrong, because I have not assumed the conclusion from the premise. The conclusion is a logical progression from the premise.2) Begging the question and other forms of circular reasoning - assuming or asserting the thing you are supposed to be proving. He does this constantly.
"The Holocaust is true. Rudolf's chemical tests suggest the Holocaust is possibly false. Therefore he is wrong."
Another strawman from you. Revisionists cannot evidence what really happened in the gas chambers. There is evidence they were used as gas chambers. Therefore they were gas chambers.3) Argument from Ignorance - assuming something is true because it has not been proven false (or because evidence for an alternative is deemed unsatisfactory). This ignores the possibility that the conclusion could be inconclusive or uncertain.
"Revisionists cannot prove (to his satisfaction) what really happened in the gas chambers. Therefore they were gas chambers."
Another strawman. Mainstream experts have traced the evidence to prove that the Holocaust is true. Therefore the Holocaust is true.4) Argument from Authority
"Mainstream experts say the Holocaust is true. Therefore the Holocaust is true."
You just made that up. It is yet another strawman fallacy. I like the way you are so dismissive of evidence. Is that because you have none?5) I don't think this has a name, but he basically denies others the right to disagree with him. Normally it is understood that people don't always agree on how to interpret or weigh the evidence. Nessie generally assumes the conclusion follows automatically from "the evidence" and that's that.
If a conclusion is contested and you wish to persuade those who have a different view that your conclusion is the correct one, you have to convince them. You can't assume the matter is settled just because it is settled in your opinion. "The Holocaust is evidenced to have happened" is a precisely what is being contested. You asserting that does not settle anything.
It is a fact that gassings is evidenced, and none of the other suggested uses for the Kremas or AR camps suggested by revisionists are evidenced. Mass resettlement of Jews in the east, also suggested by revisionists, is not evidenced. The way revisionists contest the evidence is logically flawed, riddled with misrepresentation and constant lying.Archie wrote: ↑Fri Dec 20, 2024 7:34 pmIf a conclusion is contested and you wish to persuade those who have a different view that your conclusion is the correct one, you have to convince them. You can't assume the matter is settled just because it is settled in your opinion. "The Holocaust is evidenced to have happened" is a precisely what is being contested. You asserting that does not settle anything.