Futile Exchanges

The thing about getting into arguments with people -- at least on the net -- is that no one ever budges an inch. Whether politics, metaphysics, or whatever other topic, no one ever says "you've got a good point there". Or "yes, that is something I hadn't considered" etc.

 I'm not sure if I'm like that too. I certainly am with metaphysics, the mind-body problem, free will, philosophy of science and certain other philosophical issues. Scarcely anyone seems to have a faintest clue what they're talking about on such topics, and this definitely includes prominent scientists. I, on the other hand, have thought about these issues constantly for many many years. 

Politics, I'm far less sure about and I like to think that I'm amenable to differing views. But, even here not much substantive ever seems to be said.

Also see my Arguing with People.

Arguing with people

It's an extremely common tendency to try and justify ones position on any topic by seeking out those opponents who advance the most naive, the weakest and most ridiculous arguments. Or, when arguing with more thoughtful opponents, to attribute to them a more naive or simplistic position than the one they actually hold and attack that.

In addition it seems that people often appear to deliberately avoid clarity and revel in being abstruse. My suspicion is they do this in order to give the impression of winning the argument. In reality though their words convey little, if indeed, any meaning.

These tactics might rally those who subscribe to your view, but does precious little to justify your own position. What is needed is to seek out those opponents who provide the most challenging and sophisticated arguments, and to address those specific arguments. If you can outargue them and even make them appear to be foolish, then you'll have some confidence that your position might well be correct.

It is though very tempting to simply attack your weakest opponents. Or attack the weakest arguments against your position. Or to employ other underhanded strategies in order to "win". It's easy, requires little thought, makes you feel superior, and of course most importantly of all it garners support and admiration from those who share your sentiments and beliefs in the matter in hand.
 
I would like to thank the following people for having given me the motivation and inspiration to write the above words. Many of those who have left comments on my blog. Countless hundreds of people I have debated with on skeptic/materialist discussion boards over the years, and a special thanks goes to Paul Edwards who wrote the laughably entitled: "Reincarnation: A Critical Examination".

I thank you all.