Discussion Part Deux
Ok, I need to continue Adam's discussion of what a discussion is or is not.
Adam is absolutely correct in his assessment that you are not having a discussion if either party does not consider things objectively or is closed to the idea that they might be wrong or need to do more research.
Furthermore, if you take part in on-line discussions I would like to present Chuck's Rules for Discussion.
1) Do not assume that because someone disagrees with your view they are either uneducated or ignorant.
While this may very well be true, you don't have evidence of it. You do not know their reasoning for believing what they do. They may be meticulously uninformed or they may have not done enough research. There are many other reasons someone may disagree with you including the possibility that you are wrong. It does not automatically mean they are dumb. Do not personally attack anyone's education until you have direct evidence that they infact are not well educated and do infact have the IQ of a pigmy.
2) If you think someone is wrong don't just say "That's dumb you suck." Instead tell the person why you believe they are wrong, tell them your own opinion and give them advice on where to get more information.
Some people like to be misinformed and will never listen to what you have to say. However, some are open to doing some more data collection and will take your advice. If you don't tell people what you believe you are not having a discussion. You are just a malevolent attacker.
3) If you supply evidence of your beliefs make sure it is actually evidence of what you believe.
This is an instance where it is OK to tell someone they are morons. If you give someone evidence that is contrary to what you believe, you are ignorant. I cannot help you.
4) Do not make generalizations or missunderstand the difference between a correlation and a cause.
This is an instance where it is OK to tell someone they are morons. If you give someone evidence that is contrary to what you believe, you are ignorant. I cannot help you.
5) Your boyfriend/girlfriend is not an expert on anyting do not use them as if they are.
This is an instance where it is OK to tell someone they are morons. If you give someone evidence that is contrary to what you believe, you are ignorant. I cannot help you.
6) If you try to have a discussion with someone do not discuss things irrellevant to the orignal discussion.
Bringing up new topics because you have nothing to say about the old ones does not make you seem smart.
7) If you find something in the other persons statements that you agree with let them know.
This helps keep the tone light and makes the difference between an intelligent discussion and a belligerant argument. It will help them look at your opinions in a different light.
That's all for now. If you want to add any rules feel free. If you see anyone break any of these rules please send them here. If they want to argue with me about the rules they can. I will school them, because I am right.
--Chuck
Adam is absolutely correct in his assessment that you are not having a discussion if either party does not consider things objectively or is closed to the idea that they might be wrong or need to do more research.
Furthermore, if you take part in on-line discussions I would like to present Chuck's Rules for Discussion.
1) Do not assume that because someone disagrees with your view they are either uneducated or ignorant.
While this may very well be true, you don't have evidence of it. You do not know their reasoning for believing what they do. They may be meticulously uninformed or they may have not done enough research. There are many other reasons someone may disagree with you including the possibility that you are wrong. It does not automatically mean they are dumb. Do not personally attack anyone's education until you have direct evidence that they infact are not well educated and do infact have the IQ of a pigmy.
2) If you think someone is wrong don't just say "That's dumb you suck." Instead tell the person why you believe they are wrong, tell them your own opinion and give them advice on where to get more information.
Some people like to be misinformed and will never listen to what you have to say. However, some are open to doing some more data collection and will take your advice. If you don't tell people what you believe you are not having a discussion. You are just a malevolent attacker.
3) If you supply evidence of your beliefs make sure it is actually evidence of what you believe.
This is an instance where it is OK to tell someone they are morons. If you give someone evidence that is contrary to what you believe, you are ignorant. I cannot help you.
4) Do not make generalizations or missunderstand the difference between a correlation and a cause.
This is an instance where it is OK to tell someone they are morons. If you give someone evidence that is contrary to what you believe, you are ignorant. I cannot help you.
5) Your boyfriend/girlfriend is not an expert on anyting do not use them as if they are.
This is an instance where it is OK to tell someone they are morons. If you give someone evidence that is contrary to what you believe, you are ignorant. I cannot help you.
6) If you try to have a discussion with someone do not discuss things irrellevant to the orignal discussion.
Bringing up new topics because you have nothing to say about the old ones does not make you seem smart.
7) If you find something in the other persons statements that you agree with let them know.
This helps keep the tone light and makes the difference between an intelligent discussion and a belligerant argument. It will help them look at your opinions in a different light.
That's all for now. If you want to add any rules feel free. If you see anyone break any of these rules please send them here. If they want to argue with me about the rules they can. I will school them, because I am right.
--Chuck
posted by Chuck at 10:53 AM
1 Comments:
Number 6 seems to be the weapon of choice among my detractors :)
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