Why do people argue so much about politics and religion?

Eunice

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Oct 2, 2007
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I'll put it another way.

Do you really think you're going to change your opponents mind concerning their core beliefs? If no, then what's the point? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" />
 

Eunice

Rabbitt Bartholomew status
Oct 2, 2007
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A Magical and Wondrous Place
I'll put it another way.

Do you really think you're going to change your opponents mind concerning their core beliefs? If no, then what's the point? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" />
To me, it's an education. I learned a lot from these stupid arguments, mainly about human nature.

Is there anything you feel passionately about?
Is there nothing that bothers you in this world?
Do you ever get angry?
Or happy?
Are you a robot?

<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" />


When Chomsky and Foucault debate human nature, are they hoping to change each other's mind concerning their core beliefs?
I doubt it but it sure makes for an interesting read.

I'm all for spirited debate within the "marketplace of ideas," but there's something incredibly inauthentic about most political debates I've observed: it's not about a search for truth or expanding one's horizons. It's more about winning and being clever and stabbing your opponent repeatedly with the thrusts of your syllogisms.

 

casa_mugrienta

Duke status
Apr 13, 2008
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Petak Island
Seriously, what's the deal folks? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" />
I do it to see PNW interchange quotes and astrisks all over his posts. Of course the mandatory 5 rolling smileys is also nice. Oh, I better not forget that I enjoy watching (err, reading) him try to claim he's neither a righty or a lefty when I've only seen him attack the right. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/unuts.gif" alt="" />
Because it's entertaining as well as educating. And it sometimes changes my opinion on an issue.

The ability to argue a religious or political point is often the sign of a thinking person.

For instance, I'd prefer the company of Hydro or GetShacked, who on most issues are my complete opposite, than someone who shares my opinion yet has no idea why.

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who argue about politics and religion, and those who are clueless wastes of brain matter.

I was once told "I don't like you... You make me think, and I don't like to think." <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/roflmao.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/bawling.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />
 

Eunice

Rabbitt Bartholomew status
Oct 2, 2007
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Because it's entertaining as well as educating
Did you mean to type, "educational" or "edifying"?



The ability to argue a religious or political point is often the sign of a thinking person.
It can also be the sign of an asshole.

For instance, I'd prefer the company of Hydro or GetShacked, who on most issues are my complete opposite, than someone who shares my opinion yet has no idea why.
I'd go surfing with either of them. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" />

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who argue about politics and religion, and those who are clueless wastes of brain matter.
False dilemma.

<img src="/forum/images/graemlins/wave2.gif" alt="" />
 

afoaf

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Jun 25, 2008
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Seriously, what's the deal folks? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/shrug.gif" alt="" />
I think that respectful debate is a great way for a person
to vet out their own beliefs.

It's easy to believe in something in your head, but there's
something about verbalising those thoughts in a discussion
that helps to reassess their validity relative to other
facts and knowledge.

Plus it's a good mental exercise.