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# Arguing for a purpose
- URL: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/18343/
- Published: 2005-05-16T16:05:57.000Z
- Updated: 2019-02-14T22:33:22.000Z
- Author: openDemocracy Supporters
- Tags: #en, #Migrated, #Import 2026-04-09 18:15

When [Benny Peiser](http://www.opendemocracy.net/debates/article-6-129-2490.jsp) responded to UK chief scientist [David King](http://www.opendemocracy.net/debates/article-6-129-2488.jsp) on openDemocracy earlier this week, it provoked a sharp response from [Charlie Kronick](http://www.opendemocracy.net/forums/thread.jspa?forumID=179&threadID=44266&messageID=61777#61777) of Greenpeace.

Benny Peiser came back with a determined [riposte](http://www.opendemocracy.net/forums/thread.jspa?forumID=179&threadID=44266&messageID=61726#61726).

Now [William Connelley](http://www.opendemocracy.net/forums/thread.jspa?forumID=179&threadID=44266&messageID=61777#61777) makes a detailed analysis of Benny Peiser's arguments.

The issues here have been explored elsewhere, including William Connelley's own blog [Stoat](http://mustelid.blogspot.com/2005/05/peisners-34-33-abstracts.html?ref=opendemocracy.net). (Connelley is also a contributor to [RealClimate.org](http://www.realclimate.org/?ref=opendemocracy.net).)

Some, including writer and activist [Paul Kingsnorth](http://www.opendemocracy.net/forums/thread.jspa?forumID=179&threadID=44251&messageID=61609#61609), argue that it's not worth going over this ground again.

My view is that in a debate for a worldwide readership, many of whom many not have come to these issues before, it is worth exploring these differences.

Caspar Henderson