Dead Dogma Theory

The Wall Street Journal reports today that Al Gore says the time for debate on "climate change" is over.  Always beware when anyone takes that line on any subject.  Refusal to discuss a topic can stem from fear (of being wrong), frustration (of being unable to convince others) or just because that person intends to ram his or her beliefs down your throat.  

I hold to what I call the "Dead Dogma Theory" which are ideas put forth by philosphers Plato and John Stuart Mill (and others).  The short of it is this.  If a belief, statement or theory is true, one should not be afraid to subject it to scrutiny.  If it is true, the debate will strengthen it.  If it is false, clearly the opposite will be true.  But if we hold false ideas, would we not want them disproved if we are truly in search of the truth?