Unless "MD" stands for "meteorology degree," that just proves that he's a smart guy (which no one's contesting), but I still think the majority opinion of those in the meteorological field should - at least initially - be held in greater regard.
The idea is not that his success as a writer precludes him from being accomplished in something else. The idea is that his not being a meteorologist and not having studied the field makes his deep hobbyist opinion slightly less educated than those who have spent their entire lives in the meteorological field of study.
Again, this is an argument to authority. It doesn't even attempt to address the scientific substance of Chrichton's points. In any debate you can find some expert who agrees with your side which is why the argument to authority is called a fallacy in the first place.
Substance, please.
I am not saying that it makes it correct, so, no, I am not arguing argument to authority. I would, however, like to a see a response to TheLoneLiberal's review, which seems plausible to me.
