C. S. Lewis invented the word “bulverism,” referring to the common practice of avoiding reasoning on a topic by explaining how an opponent is silly in a mistake. It relates to reports of some cryptids, in particular the ropen of Papua New Guinea (or reports of living pterosaurs in various parts of the world). According to Pterosaur Eyewitness (blog), “Bulverism and Pterosaur Sightings,” the popularity of this shifty device was popular in the mid-twentieth century but continues into the present:
Indeed, Loren, where does insanity lie? When many eyewitnesses testify of things coorelating, and those persons show that they are mentally healthy, where is there any insanity? Setting aside bulverism, what case can be made for pterosaur extinction when so many eyewitnesses testify that pterosaurs still live? If there is any insanity, it must be in those who insist on imagining ancient extinctions. Dogmatic adherence to universal pterosaur extinction may be the only place left where insanity might be relevant. Note, I don’t insist that my opponents must be insane; that would be bulverism. I only ask, “Where is there any insanity?”
Worthy of note is the testimony of eyewitness Brian Hennessy, who saw a large flying creature with a long tail and a head crest, in daylight. Mr. Hennessy is not insane; he is a psychologist.
