Learning through discourse - your Daily Dose of RAH
By Nebuloso
@Nebuloso (179)
United States
April 20, 2007 12:54am CST
"I never learned from a man who agreed with me." ~Robert A. Heinlein
Do you agree with this sentiment? One of the reasons I love debating issues and why I'm enjoying myLot so much is that I find I learn so much. When in a discussion with someone, I find that one of two things usually happens:
1) The other person makes a very compelling my argument and I either modify my position or (rarely, but it does happen) even entirely reverse my way of thinking on a topic
or
2) By being forced to clearly and succinctly present my own opinion, I help myself clarify and solidify my own views. Often, the research I do in order to support my position helps me to further validate my previously held convictions.
Either way, I've learned from the exchange. Learning is good!
So what do you think? Do you prefer to discuss topics with people that generally agree with you or disagree with you? Do you get discouraged when you can't bring the other person around to your own way of thinking, or is that of secondary importance?
2 people like this
2 responses
@prestocaro (1252)
• United States
20 Apr 07
I prefer to discuss topics with people who think differently than myself. This doesn't necessarily mean that they have to have the opposite of my opinion, though. Sometimes I discover people who agree with me but for different reasons, and I think that the two of us discussing our reasons helps validate both of us. It also teaches us another position or line or argumentation, which in turn makes both of us more persuasive. A good hearty debate with an opponent, though, is really where the fun is at. It is hard on mylot to find a real, above-the-belt discussion, however. I find that many people resort to sarcasm or "manwho" logic. But it is fun none the less.
I rarely reverse my position as well. Even in the face of compelling arguments, I have usually weighed the issue long before I spoke of it to others. This makes it harder for me to do a reversal.
2 people like this
@Lady_Justice (969)
• United States
22 Apr 07
I agree with Heinlein's sentiment. I also agree with your reasoning. While I do hope people may change their minds on certain issues, I know it rarely happens, especially on "hot topics." Still, I like to make people think. I like it when they make me think. It's good to know why someone with an opposing view feels the way they do. Even if you don't end up agreeing, at least you have a better idea of their perspective. I enjoy debating many issues from politics to parenting and pretty much everything in between. I do feel like I learn a lot from debating.
@Nebuloso (179)
• United States
22 Apr 07
Thanks for your response, Lady. I too, enjoy debating topics with other people. Perhaps one of the major problems with many debates (here on myLot and elsewhere) is that we slip too easily into a confrontational mode rather than an explanatory mode.
Take religion for example. A general discussion is started, asking whether people believe the Bible was meant to be taken literally or figuratively. Just for the sake of this example, let's say that I believe it should be taken figuratively. There are two ways I could go with this:
1) I could explain why I feel the way I do and cite examples and evidence to support my point.
2) I could show how the "other side" is wrong by citing evidence I feel undermines the other point of view.
Ostensibly, both can accomplish the same goal but option 2 will clearly draw the most heat. Using option 1 allows the speaker to remain above the fray somewhat and make their point without intentionally antagonizing anyone.
Now...having said that...does that mean I always use method 1? lmao No, I'm not that completely rational (or nice, maybe! lol) of a person. I try to do that as much as possible, however.
2 people like this
@Lady_Justice (969)
• United States
23 Apr 07
Very true. I don't always use the best debating strategies myself but I try to be more factual than fallacious and educate myself instead of going on emotion.
1 person likes this
