It seems to me that a lot of time and energy has been wasted on these boards (by myself and others) trying to pose arguments that convince others to agree with our point of view. After much frustration I took a break and re-evaluated my approach to the subject of debate as a whole.
Having given this some thought, I’ve come to the realization that virtually all the discussions here can be summed up as a problem of conflicting worldviews.
For example, a scientist approaches a topic with this worldview:
There is an absolute existence that we try to describe through our system of beliefs. Where our beliefs differ from observable fact, it is necessary for us to alter our beliefs to fit the facts.
Whereas a fundamentalist would use this worldview:
There is an absolute system of beliefs that describes existence. Where observable facts differ from our beliefs, it is necessary to alter the facts to fit our beliefs.
For the scientist, the idea of altering facts to fit beliefs is beyond reason. For the fundamentalist, the idea of abandoning one’s beliefs is unacceptable. As such, these two can never come to an understanding.
Every argument will be boiled down to these opposing sides. No amount of evidence will sway the fundamentalist. No amount of scripture will sway the scientist.
Let’s not waste each other’s time.
™ Version 4.2
