In the 21st century, we face a particularly debilitating problem. Even as a group of intelligent beings capable of all sorts of wonders, we have lost the most basic element of advantageous communication. Whether through conditioning, inadequate instruction, or mere ignorance, we have found ourselves unable to distinguish between the argument and the arguer. Objectivity is dead; subjectivity is king. We are no longer able to determine the merit of a position based solely on its validity and soundness. Rather, we are ALWAYS on the defensive, read to be offended by anyone who believes differently than we do. Instead of regarding an argument as a set of premises leading to a conclusion, we consider our opponent, whose points are only ever criticized by whether or not he believes as we do, or whether his position marks him as obviously hostile. If we as a culture fail to progress, its sole cause, at this point in time, will be due to our inability to debate the point and not deride the speaker. Our inability to see truth as separate from the one who is speaking. And our inability to see reality as distinct from our opinions.
Posted on: Sun, 02 Feb 2014 09:16:28 +0000
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