OK - my friend & I used to write to a chap about 4 or so years ago. After many heated debates concerning music we decided this guy would never accept any logical arguments we presented him with.
From debates at school and, especially, with this guy I concluded that people who don't agree with you on deep-rooted issues will never change their minds - unless deep down they already DO agree with you.
So I ask - do these sorts of debates we have here achieve anything other than a (n almost childish) form of "winning" when you back someone into a corner? Take a debate at Free For All - it involves many facts and quotes to do with America's founding fathers, Christianity, Islam, and so on. Yet I don't feel that anyone has presented arguments to "convert" anyone else. It seems almost like people want to present their side and somehow prove it superior to someone else's.
I don't know if I explained that very well. Let me give you a clearer example. I take a certain view on this continual war between Israel & Palestine. Others take a position opposing mine. Do we actually want to see The Truth? Does "Truth" exist? Or do we do our little research in order to garner facts that will support our point of view?
Not having a good day explaining. I apologise and ask you to bear with me.
In a "real" debate it seems to me that we should all approach with a neutral frame of mind and look at facts to determine our position. Instead, we
already hold a point of view and merely dig up facts to prove our side or cast doubt on the other person's side.
Should we take this "legal" approach to debate? I realise that some issues you cannot approach neutrally - if you have had a loved one die in the September 11th 2001 tragedy then you can't approach Al Qaeda with neutrality. But shouldn't we try and prevent this legal approach? Lawyers arguing in criminal cases don't seem to try and establish what really happened. Instead they try and make people believe THEIR VERSION of "The Truth".
Does anyone understand anything I just said? You'll have to forgive me - I've had a rough couple of days and I can't keep my eyes open, let alone allow my brain to think.
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quote:
All the boys think she's a spy