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Lately I've noticed a lot of threads be closed for being off topic. Personally I feel philosophy is like a spider web and when you pluck one string all strings resonate... so in a sense all topics are valid.
So here I would like to start a thread that has a topic that is amorphous. Something that follows the stream of consciousness of the discussion. Maybe this could be a study of thought/argument evolution (oh no!). Feel free to hijack this thread whenever you want. We can go from talking about the existence/nonexistence of God to ponies... doesn't matter to me.
So I'll start us off with a simple question... What do you feel is more important in a discussion?
Being shown that you are right... or shown that you are wrong... or something else and why?
I have a tendency to wander off-topic. Not intentional, but could probably be that ADD thing I've always had. Some threads spiral off into off-topic little veins that were interesting and healthy; others turn into Generation Duh babbles of nothing.
Sometimes I seek info. Others are simply sharing opinions in insignificant topics. I've scaled way back on heavy stuff. I don't convince easily; in fact, in 1-1/2 years, I do not believe I've changed my mind on anything from City-Data forums.
Also, I do not continuously post on threads. I may add a second posting, possibly even a third, but it ends there. Not interested in "arguing" and I lose interest in the subjects after awhile. But it's fun to surf through the various topics.
Lately I've noticed a lot of threads be closed for being off topic. Personally I feel philosophy is like a spider web and when you pluck one string all strings resonate... so in a sense all topics are valid.
So here I would like to start a thread that has a topic that is amorphous. Something that follows the stream of consciousness of the discussion. Maybe this could be a study of thought/argument evolution (oh no!). Feel free to hijack this thread whenever you want. We can go from talking about the existence/nonexistence of God to ponies... doesn't matter to me.
So I'll start us off with a simple question... What do you feel is more important in a discussion?
Being shown that you are right... or shown that you are wrong... or something else and why?
I feel the most important thing for me in any discussion is learning something new, about people especially.
Objectivity. The point gets lost otherwise, people lose credibility and the respect of others. For me, life is a constant learning process. If I'm wrong, I absolutely want to know about it. I appreciate when people agree with me, but we are all products of our life experiences, so it isn't necessary that they do so.
Lately I've noticed a lot of threads be closed for being off topic. Personally I feel philosophy is like a spider web and when you pluck one string all strings resonate... so in a sense all topics are valid.
So here I would like to start a thread that has a topic that is amorphous. Something that follows the stream of consciousness of the discussion. Maybe this could be a study of thought/argument evolution (oh no!). Feel free to hijack this thread whenever you want. We can go from talking about the existence/nonexistence of God to ponies... doesn't matter to me.
So I'll start us off with a simple question... What do you feel is more important in a discussion?
Being shown that you are right... or shown that you are wrong... or something else and why?
Not necessarily being shown right or wrong, but being shown a concept you never considered before.
I never really thought much of ponies. Most of the ponies I've seen really don't seem that "cute" to me. Most of them are spotted, ugly and not very appealing to the eye. Granted, I'm sure someone will prove me wrong with various pictures of "cute" ponies but I tend to think that full grown horsies are not cute but majestic and beautiful.
I like all people. I have friends from all over the world and I learn a lot from them. Culture, needs, thoughts and upbringing. I just like to interact with others and the subject isn't important.
So I'll start us off with a simple question... What do you feel is more important in a discussion?
Being shown that you are right... or shown that you are wrong... or something else and why?
It's much more significant to me if I'm shown to be wrong, than if I am right. You see, if I believe I am right about something, and I am not, then I am obviously either deluded, mistaken, or not as educated as I need to be.
If someone can prove to me the error of my ways, then it isn't a shameful thing, it's an opportunity to improve myself and my knowledge. Change and improvement is a good thing!
This isn't to say being right is a bad thing, though. It's very satisfying.
Being heard. Learning something new, and perhaps finding a like minded friend. Mild bickering is to be expected, but the screamfests send me to other threads. Playing "smarter than thou" games is a little pointless. I prefer graham crackers and milk to a verbal battlefield, but I see no reason to back down when people (or I ) become a tad unruly. It's all a growing process.
I agree with you Mercury. I like to be shown if something I'm doing is wrong so that I can make it right.
Of course, I'm never wr.. wro... what's that word? Wr...wrong. Got it!! (Kidding)
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