There are two very different problems I come across around the idea of a philosophical argument.
1. It is not an argument – it is a discussion.
2. That arguments by definition are a competition with winners and losers.
The first problem of discussing not arguing means that some people think we don't like each other much because we are fighting. Fighting and arguing are not the sane thing. The dictionary describes it as ‘a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal’ (OneLook online dictionary).
Personally, I like to name arguments, arguments, because it makes it clear that one person is trying to convince another of their position. It means that there is every possibility that one or both people walk away with an altered perspective – how great is that. I LOVE getting an altered perspective it makes the world all shiny and new.
The second problem drives me nutty and actually makes me avoid certain people at parties. Because I am into philosophy certain people want to enter into philosophical fisty-cuffs with me. If you start out in a philosophical argument to win at all costs you can never open yourself up to something new. This means your ideas may not develop beyond what they currently are, limiting yourself is a bit sad. It is important to leave yourself open to evaluating your most fundamental ideas and beliefs, this is where the value of philosophy lies.
Of course, I am not saying that you should just be open and agree with everything but that you should be open to the possibility that there are other ideas apart from your own that are valid and useful. Use critical thinking to test your own and others ideas/ assumptions and arguments.
I could go on for ages about critical thinking but am looking forward to my next blog and posting some controversial ideas that you can argue with me about – I encourage you to alter my perspective! (see links section for a wikipedia link to more information on critical thinking)
‘I know nothing except the fact of my ignorance’ – Socrates
(and how to ask tricky questions – Socrates is famous for this)
1. It is not an argument – it is a discussion.
2. That arguments by definition are a competition with winners and losers.
The first problem of discussing not arguing means that some people think we don't like each other much because we are fighting. Fighting and arguing are not the sane thing. The dictionary describes it as ‘a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal’ (OneLook online dictionary).
Personally, I like to name arguments, arguments, because it makes it clear that one person is trying to convince another of their position. It means that there is every possibility that one or both people walk away with an altered perspective – how great is that. I LOVE getting an altered perspective it makes the world all shiny and new.
The second problem drives me nutty and actually makes me avoid certain people at parties. Because I am into philosophy certain people want to enter into philosophical fisty-cuffs with me. If you start out in a philosophical argument to win at all costs you can never open yourself up to something new. This means your ideas may not develop beyond what they currently are, limiting yourself is a bit sad. It is important to leave yourself open to evaluating your most fundamental ideas and beliefs, this is where the value of philosophy lies.
Of course, I am not saying that you should just be open and agree with everything but that you should be open to the possibility that there are other ideas apart from your own that are valid and useful. Use critical thinking to test your own and others ideas/ assumptions and arguments.
I could go on for ages about critical thinking but am looking forward to my next blog and posting some controversial ideas that you can argue with me about – I encourage you to alter my perspective! (see links section for a wikipedia link to more information on critical thinking)
‘I know nothing except the fact of my ignorance’ – Socrates
(and how to ask tricky questions – Socrates is famous for this)
1 comment:
Hi Elinda!
I look forward to reading more..and perhaps having my perspective changed. Heck I'd be happy just to get a perspective.
You are one smart cookie.
Love Kylie xx
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