These debates are rarely purely rational; emotion has a big role to play. The creationists often express scorn towards science and that doesn’t harm their cause. I think that if scientists don’t express their own scorn (in moderation :-), the audience is liable to perceive their attitude as respectful or deferential towards creationism.
An audience is also liable to perceive actually accepting a debate as a sign of some respect too. As though there is some sort of plausible doubt which argument could help sort out. Or, thinking socially, as though the creationist position has sufficient status in your eyes as to warrant even consider a rival.
These debates are rarely purely rational; emotion has a big role to play. The creationists often express scorn towards science and that doesn’t harm their cause. I think that if scientists don’t express their own scorn (in moderation :-), the audience is liable to perceive their attitude as respectful or deferential towards creationism.
An audience is also liable to perceive actually accepting a debate as a sign of some respect too. As though there is some sort of plausible doubt which argument could help sort out. Or, thinking socially, as though the creationist position has sufficient status in your eyes as to warrant even consider a rival.