It's possible to overdo "civil", though. Consider the belief that the sun orbits the earth: a televised debate in which several accomplished scientists respectfully engage some crazy is civil and will teach the average layperson something, but it gives the belief far too much credibility.
Even with the extra information, the layperson may consider it more probable that the sun orbits the earth after the debate, which means that the general belief is less accurate afterwards.
[Yes, I'm aware that we live in a relativistic universe in which the sun is no more the center than the earth or any other point; but you get the idea.]
Even with the extra information, the layperson may consider it more probable that the sun orbits the earth after the debate, which means that the general belief is less accurate afterwards.
[Yes, I'm aware that we live in a relativistic universe in which the sun is no more the center than the earth or any other point; but you get the idea.]