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CopperCicada · M
There is a more fundamental step that is even more important.
A debate is pointless if you are unwilling to change your position when provided evidence that your views are wrong or have unacceptable consequences.
Almost nobody enters into a debate anymore with the attitude that they are testing their views, that they will change their position if proven it is erroneous.
A debate is pointless if you are unwilling to change your position when provided evidence that your views are wrong or have unacceptable consequences.
Almost nobody enters into a debate anymore with the attitude that they are testing their views, that they will change their position if proven it is erroneous.
CopperCicada · M
@Really That is certainly true.
Really · 80-89, M
@CopperCicada In truth I think debate itself is pointless except as a spectator sport. Debate is about winning support by verbal persuasion. It seldom has anything to do with seeking truth, or with rational discussion.
CopperCicada · M
@Really There is a scholastic tradition of debate where the purpose is precisely to seek the truth.
That is at the bottom of the dialogues of Socrates.
That is also at the bottom of scholastic debate in the Buddhist tradition. There one might defend and challenge both sides of an issue to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of each position.
It is also the same in science.
That is at the bottom of the dialogues of Socrates.
That is also at the bottom of scholastic debate in the Buddhist tradition. There one might defend and challenge both sides of an issue to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of each position.
It is also the same in science.
Really · 80-89, M
@CopperCicada That's not what I mean by debate. In any scholastic debate I've ever seen, each participant has to defend a fixed proposition, often not of his/her making, and regardless whether it can even be clearly defined. Neither proponent is expected to imply any agreement with the opponent's proposition.
That is what I mean by debate that is pointless except as sport. It can be great fun but it has little to do with exploring possibilities in search of truth.
That is what I mean by debate that is pointless except as sport. It can be great fun but it has little to do with exploring possibilities in search of truth.
CopperCicada · M
@Really I see. Yes. We had that in high school and college. I had no interest in it. I had no interest in compelling anyone to believe anything.