We need more rational philosophical discussions
I thoroughly enjoy a good philosophical discussion. I love finding out what other people believe about life, why they believe it and how it affects them. I also enjoy sharing my views with people who I believe to be genuinely interested in what I have to say.
The problem is that I do not encounter many good discussions.
To me, a good discussion is when two or more people discuss an issue with the intent of communicating their own views and trying to foster an understanding of the other view. The purpose isn’t necessarily to get anyone to change his or her mind, but to create an understanding.
In the majority of philosophical discussions I have witnessed, it seems both sides believe it is necessary to convince the other group to adopt its views. Each person accuses the other side of refusing to see “the truth” about the matter.
It seems nearly impossible to have a philosophical, political or religious discussion without a large-scale fight breaking out.
It upsets me when this happens. To me, the point of discussing these things is to foster new understanding on both sides.
When philosophical discussions turn into fights, no one benefits. No one learns anything. Both parties become defensive and refuse to listen to what the other person is saying. Both people get increasingly worked up trying to prove a point to someone who is no longer listening, but thinking of ways to prove their own point. All anyone gets out of the conversation is frustration and an increased mistrust of the other side.
Because of this, many people avoid discussing hot-button issues entirely. For some, it’s because they feel uncomfortable in such a negatively-charged atmosphere. For others, it is because they feel unsure of where they stand on the issue and feel they have nothing to contribute.
Both reasons are perfectly understandable. I have used both of them to get out of certain discussions.
However, I have begun to realize that I am missing out on learning about other people’s ideas by closing myself off this way.
It is perfectly legitimate not to have a definite opinion on everything. I know I don’t, even though expressing my opinions is a big part of my job. Listening to other people’s views on subjects can be a good way to learn about an issue and eventually figure out where you stand.
Also, to those who are continually finding themselves participating in the type of discussion that turns into a fight, I will say this: just take some time to actually listen to the other person. No one said you had to accept every idea you hear. You will not go to hell, become less intelligent, be seen as backing down or whatever else you are afraid will happen if you consider another viewpoint.
I would like to see more rational, intelligent discussions about difficult issues. But in order for this to happen, everyone involved needs to come in to the discussion with the willingness to listen.
Perhaps Aristotle said it best: “A sign of intelligence is to be able to entertain an idea without accepting it.”
Columnists' opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of The Spectrum