| Original Message |
noob (Login ever-a-newbie)
Sufi
Posted Apr 10, 2012 10:32 PM
I don't mean to be flippant or dismissive. I simply find that there really isn't much sincere interest in debating anymore. And I define debating as exploring all sides and perspectives using constructs of logic and reason with the intent of learning and understanding. Most "debates" I've seen are nothing of the sort, and instead are arguments (not logical arguments, but personal arguments) of "my position/view is right and all others are wrong".
It seems to me that part of the problem revolves around language and terminology. One of the prime tenets of a sound debate, or logical proposition, is to clearly define and agree on terminology. If that is truly the case, it seems to me that "debates" have been rendered pointless until people can once again agree on terms and language.
The real "kicker" is that biology, math, physics, chemistry, geology, genetics, et. al. have so many nuanced concepts with so many details that it's proving to be impossible for everyone to understand them all, let alone agree on the terms and language. And the seemingly strictest fundamentalists don't have the ability to understand much of it in any degree of detail; yet they advocate their religion, and their politics, and their opinions in ignorance.
Given that context, what is the point of debating? It's tee'd up to be not much more than "you're ignorant and stupid" with "no, you're ignorant and stupid" as the response.
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