[dennis_jeeves1]

>but has fallen into the propaganda trap.

How about the other way around?

My point being, for a subject like this, either you or your friend cannot verify the 'science' except take someone's word.

[ethanbond]

Just like “is the earth round” or “do objects exist outside of this room.”

[dennis_jeeves1]

Correct, I cannot verify if the earth is round, flat or trapezoid.

(I'll give some credence to astronauts, pilot, astronomers etc. who have relatively direct evidence that someone like me with a desk bound job)