Posted by verne on April 17, 2006, at 10:40:24
In reply to Re: Civility IRL, productivity and good relationsh » special_k, posted by Dinah on April 17, 2006, at 9:32:55
I haven't been able to follow this entire thread and have little more to offer. Just wanted to thank Dinah for identifying what's important.
I think it's possible to have different views without argument and disagreement. Imagine the difference between an art museum and a debate club. At the art museum we may see things differently but there's no reason to "disagree".
On the other hand, a debating society's purpose is to find disagreement in everything and practice winning the argument. That's a good exercise for those going into law, or a profession where that's needed, but not so helpful in a community where mutual support is the goal.
And even if we carry the day and score enough points to "win" the argument. What have we really won? The loser probably hasn't even changed their mind.
The earth, that we passionately argued rotates around the sun, didn't change course because someone thought otherwise. And after we crushed any opposing points of view, the earth didn't rotate in the proper direction with any more authority.
And even if truth did accidentally break out during an argument aren't there better ways to arrive at the truth?
I don't see much difference between debate and boxing. They both involve winning a fight.
Verne
poster:verne
thread:633401
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20060412/msgs/634109.html