Interaction gets pretty ugly at times, especially during the political season. Friendships are damaged and dashed. Dinner with friends or relatives can be uncomfortable. Unfriending abounds, in real life or on social media.
Can't we just all get along? It isn't easy when flame wars break out and everyone becomes angry.
Calm down.
Listen.
Find where you can agree,
State your disagreement and why you disagree.
Agree to disagree.
Don't insult, demean or abuse.
How to argue like a philosopher. H/T Classical Wisdom Weekly.
11 comments:
Sound suggestions from Hazman. I try to take those to heart.
Good advice. I find a well timed cocktail helps too.
But guys, do you really want to be a philosopher?
How to argue like a philosopher? Marry a professor.
"Wittgenstein put down that poker." That's what Betrand Russell said to Wittgenstein when he picked up a poker and threatened to brain Popper with it. The argument had something to do with logical positivism and a nvolved three of philosophy's leading lights.. Wittgenstein was going to prove the existence of the poker by clobbering Popper with it, but he heeded Russell's instructions......Bertrand Russell was the son a lord. He wasn't as preeminent in logic as Wittgenstein, but he had far more status and authority than the average philosopher so that's what won the argument and that's how philosophers argue.
I shall never forego wordplay. I shall just redirect it.
The Far Side - two angry scientists stand off around a table playing cards while another one is between them pleading , "Gentlemen please! This is just a friendly game of cards- ease up no those acid-filled beakers."
Good advice on how to argue like a philosopher. That works well when both sides, or all parties adhere to those rules. Using logic, facts and gentle persuasion
On the other hand, you can just avoid those who you will never ever be able to converse with and who are determined to be as stupid, illogical and argumentative as they can be. Better to just walk away. Or...just pick up the poker and give them a good whack over their empty noggins.
Much of this is about politics. However, it is cursory to think all of the vitriol is about politics. Just sayn'.
"You can take my gun, err wordplay, from my cold, dead hands."
Well that's all fine and good but when it's one sided and directed at you and you're expected to listen and *agree*... well, eff them.
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