ShockV1.89 Posted December 9, 2003 Share Posted December 9, 2003 Ok, so the Senate Chambers have been open for quite some time now. In this time, we've all argued many, many serious issues, such as homosexuality, war, politics, religion, etc. In this time, I have yet to see more than one or two people actually change their views. I have yet to see a single person, when faced with overwhelming evidence contrary to their position, say "Ok, maybe I was wrong." Is there any real point? I understand it's fun to share your views on things and point out why you're right and someone else is wrong, and show why. But do you ever really get anywhere? Most of the time, when people are proven wrong, they simply stop posting in the thread, and very often come back with the same or similar arguments that they posted earlier, showing that they simply ignored the other posters points. Why? Is there a point to this beyond simply hearing ourselves talk and sound smart? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinWalker Posted December 9, 2003 Share Posted December 9, 2003 Originally posted by ShockV1.89 Is there any real point?... do you ever really get anywhere? ... Is there a point to this beyond simply hearing ourselves talk and sound smart? I think so. One of the things I try to pay attention to is the number of "views" threads have as well as the visitors that come into the forum but don't post. But they show up. Many visitors are regulars yet they don't post (Wacky Baccy, you know who you are ). It's these forum members that I think we exist for sometimes. They might actually be following an issue without having formed an opinion or perhaps, if they have an opinion, they've not based it on the information they've obtained but rather the feelings and perspectives of their friends. By reading what we have to say and why we say it, they can see other perspectives and form opinions of their own. Another good reason for debating an issue in a forum like this is that you increase your own knowledge of a subject by simply researching your own arguments. Also, this just isn't a forum for Debate only. We can have serious discussions here in which we largely agree with each other or want more information... that facet of the forum doesn't seem as desireable to most, though. NileQueen's thread on Deep Sea Archaeology seems to be a good example of this. We've had a few others over the course of the year too. As to changing your mind... well... I've changed my mind on a topic. An old one. After I finish my finals this week, I'll dig that thread up and apologize for a comment I made as well as state my new position. You'll have to stay tuned for a couple days though....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wacky_Baccy Posted December 9, 2003 Share Posted December 9, 2003 Nice thread, Shock Originally posted by SkinWalker I think so. One of the things I try to pay attention to is the number of "views" threads have as well as the visitors that come into the forum but don't post. But they show up. I've made a point of paying attention to the view-levels in here, too - it's nice to see that a fair number of people are reading, if not posting... I think I'll try to post some more myself in future, because it's good for me Many visitors are regulars yet they don't post (Wacky Baccy, you know who you are ). Hehe. I'd have been more active, but I've had a lot on my plate for a long time, and debating properly in here really takes some energy, which I've just not had available to give until now... I also hate joining threads once they're established, for some reason I might chime in on some of the others, though, since I think it's worth it =) It's these forum members that I think we exist for sometimes. <snip> Another good reason for debating an issue in a forum like this is that you increase your own knowledge of a subject by simply researching your own arguments. You took the words right out of my mouth, Skin - I've learned a lot for myself by reading and posting here, and either following people's links or researching for my own posts - it's a fantastic way to braoden one's knowledge, IMHO I had a cursory glance at NileQueen's thread earlier, and it interested me - I'll have to have a closer look later. Good stuff in here, as ever. As to changing your mind... well... I've changed my mind on a topic. As have I - these forums helped me to realise how ignorant my previous indiscriminate anti-American feelings were, and made me realise that it wasn't just the few American friends I talk to that actually have different opinions to their administration's... Needless to say, I'm a reformed lad, and quite happy to change my rather open mind about something when presented with sufficient evidence - that ability is something I value quite highly now, and it's at least partly thanks to this forum that I've 'developed' it =) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Sitherino Posted December 10, 2003 Share Posted December 10, 2003 I just see it as a form of entertainment and a form of enlightening myself to the world. The internet opens up a door to the world, When the senate was made I was able to see perspectives from around the world, which opened my eyes to reality. I was able to see the differences in the world, and in the worlds different forms of media, religious, and political stands Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elijah Posted December 10, 2003 Share Posted December 10, 2003 I agree with everyone... A great way to learn more about other peoples opinions, and your own... as to your question of I have yet to see a single person, when faced with overwhelming evidence contrary to their position, say "Ok, maybe I was wrong." Some people dont exactly need physical proof... they have found somthing they believe in, and cant explain it, but they know from the bottom of thier heart, that it is the truth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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