question for everyone . . .

achilles12604 · Post by **achilles12604** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 2:27 am

Why is it that we debate? Why is it that we (or at least I) are almost addicted to putting forth logical arguement when we know full well we wont convince anyone? Why do those who leave one debating site either return or proceed to yet another debating site and continue with the same arguements? Any thoughts?

Post by **otseng** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 8:46 am

Debating on this forum is the most mentally stimulating thing I do. Though I also program in Java and PHP for a living, it is a distant second.

I don't get sweaty palms when I program. I'm not often tempted to yell at other programmers and say, "That's so illogical!" I don't spend hours researching for an algorithm. There aren't other coders who are diametrically opposed to how I program.

I enjoy debating because it forces me to learn and grow. In practically all the threads I participate in, I've learned a lot by having to research, think, and being challenged by others.

I don't often participate in other forums to debate now. I already don't have enough time just to participate here!

I don't necessarily debate to "convert" others. But, if I can succeed in showing others that my position is not such a crackpot position, then I'm happy.

I also enjoy the diversity of people here. In real life, I pretty much hang around people that are similar to me. But here, it's amazing the amount of diverse positions that people have.

Furrowed Brow · Post by **Furrowed Brow** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 10:02 am

I'd agree with addicted to logical argument bit.

Also - and this might sound a bit odd - I make demands upon myself. I am in retreat from self deceit. I want to test the things I think, and see if I'm not kidding myself. I want to know where and why my thinking might just be false or even stupid. Thrashing out logical arguments here just helps me to sharpen my self critical faculties.

Confused · Post by **Confused** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 3:13 pm

I agree with the addictive component. But for me, it is the fact that I can learn something so far outside of medicine I never have to think about it when I leave work. It is the ability to find truth. And if I mess up in a step of my logical thinking, it isn't going to kill my patient. I don't expect my arguments to change anyones opinion. But some peoples arguments have dramatically changed my opinions. When I see some of my fallacies in thinking, I must confront them and resolve them. This is a constant and never ending process. This is the addictive component. No-one thinks logically about 100% of the things they do or believe. So we are constantly re-evaluating them. This is even more important as the world changes. We adapt by learning. This forum has many who teach and many who dictate. But there is almost always something to learn from each post. Even if it is just that this person has no clue what they are talking about, we must still evaluate what they are saying to be able to say this. So we are thinking critically and teaching in the process. What else in life is more important? Learning and sharing what you have learned. Be it with your family, your friends, your pet dog, or a stranger on the internet. It is what keeps life worth living. Camus posed the question "what is it that makes life worth living"? Many philosophers have refined it. But for me, it is simple, passing on the information I have learned. The information on how to love, how to heal, how to forgive, etc...... So this is why I continue in this debate. I know it isn't earth shattering, but it is my reasons nonetheless.

achilles12604 · Post by **achilles12604** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 9:32 pm

I agree with everything thus far. I would add that as strange as it I am starting to feel a bit of a connection with the individuals on this forum. Although not many of us have actually met, we have interacted far more than most individuals do on a daily basis. Yes even you Cathar . . . J/K.

Confused · Post by **Confused** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 12:51 am

I understand what you are saying Achilles. I laugh more here than anywhere else in my life and happen to enjoy much of the bantering back and forth. But I think there exists connections and oppositions and I find comfort in that. It reaffirms my confusion and offers hope of clarification from those I have connected with and those I have butted heads with, especially you easyrider.