Argumentum ad Indigestiam
In the past little while, I've gotten involved in a political discussion forum or two. And, while I relish the thrill of a truly stimulating bit of discussion and challenging debate, I'm beginning to realize why I quit most debate fora awhile ago.
I don't like the way I feel.
And I don't like the pervasive sense of communally shared antipathy. Even, hate. All but a few have zero interest in co-edification.
I notice how, while I am better able to critically analyze an argument than I was two weeks ago, I am also a more argumentative person. And that isn't just limited to the gladitorial combat of the fora I participate in; it invades other parts of my life. It affects my relationships. It makes me more cynical. I feel tainted.
I also really, really dislike the kind of people -- no matter what their politics -- who can't tell or don't care about the difference between a logical argument and a mass of writhing hate. People who can't actually discuss something intelligently. People who sell their own opinion as facts, and who believe that, if you don't think like them, you must automatically be stupid. Or evil.
And the more I'm around them, the more I am tempted to succumb to the same behavior. Some of them especially try to goad me into such a position... I believe they simply crave the attention. They gain some kind of thrill from it. And it doesn't matter whether I withdraw from the discussion when it gets to that point, or I succumb to that kind of poo-flinging... Either way, they declare victory, pat themselves on the back, and carry on without any of my effort to argue a point, to hold my temper, to present an alternate viewpoint, making any impact upon them whatsoever.
So, there are benefits, and there are drawbacks. If I can't rebalance things, I'll have to back out and return to something more interesting.
Like blowing up some of my friends on Xbox Live. :-P
(mumbled) ... or meditation, prayer and study...
....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... .......
I know I do post political items here on my blog, from time to time, but I hope that all of my friends do feel that I value their opinions? That I am inviting commentary, and dissent, when the thought occurs. I am much more confident in our ability to have a more respectful discussion. I draw inspiration and lessons from each of you.
I don't like the way I feel.
And I don't like the pervasive sense of communally shared antipathy. Even, hate. All but a few have zero interest in co-edification.
I notice how, while I am better able to critically analyze an argument than I was two weeks ago, I am also a more argumentative person. And that isn't just limited to the gladitorial combat of the fora I participate in; it invades other parts of my life. It affects my relationships. It makes me more cynical. I feel tainted.
I also really, really dislike the kind of people -- no matter what their politics -- who can't tell or don't care about the difference between a logical argument and a mass of writhing hate. People who can't actually discuss something intelligently. People who sell their own opinion as facts, and who believe that, if you don't think like them, you must automatically be stupid. Or evil.
And the more I'm around them, the more I am tempted to succumb to the same behavior. Some of them especially try to goad me into such a position... I believe they simply crave the attention. They gain some kind of thrill from it. And it doesn't matter whether I withdraw from the discussion when it gets to that point, or I succumb to that kind of poo-flinging... Either way, they declare victory, pat themselves on the back, and carry on without any of my effort to argue a point, to hold my temper, to present an alternate viewpoint, making any impact upon them whatsoever.
So, there are benefits, and there are drawbacks. If I can't rebalance things, I'll have to back out and return to something more interesting.
Like blowing up some of my friends on Xbox Live. :-P
(mumbled) ... or meditation, prayer and study...
....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... .......
I know I do post political items here on my blog, from time to time, but I hope that all of my friends do feel that I value their opinions? That I am inviting commentary, and dissent, when the thought occurs. I am much more confident in our ability to have a more respectful discussion. I draw inspiration and lessons from each of you.