From: Spudboy100@aol.com
Date: Sat Sep 28 2002 - 00:43:46 MDT
Lee noted:
<<For sure some think that this is all malarkey,
and instead propose that we should all "just
get along", or that we "stop foolish disputing
and learn to be more rational and harmonious".>>
Yes, indeed! People who have no psychological stake in taking one side or the
other, often appear baffled at the passions of those who argue.
I suspect they then, feel rather smug that they themselves do not suffer from
such a maledy. That is why I frequently avoid or disregard the "debating
society" approach; as it is not the same as problem solving, but rather a
merely sophistry - a war of words.
Only when words transport ideas are they of any use at all, and the ideas
transmitted, must, at least have a chance of being workable. Beyond that is
the recent notion of scientific testing (measuring) to observe if things are
true, as words describe them.
Beyond that, their is the meta-goal of having your side win (useful when
amelioration seems unworkable). Historically, attacking first (physically and
psychologically) have been the path to success, and has likely been the most
successful tactic. Though this procedure is so well-known, that it merely
works with the unskilled. Other mechanisms can be induced or produced and
they seem a welcome alternative to an unprovoked, 1st strike. So now I am
back to game theory, which despite publicity, was not single-handedly
invented by Mr. Beautiful Mind, himself.
So Lee, the ability of persuasion is not specifically a great talent
(apparently) of the members of this list. But then not everyone here (most I
guess) fix that skill as their strong-suit. I suppose each of us merely,
wants to be heard out and supported (despite denials), and the end-result is
the list, movement, winds up be rather, clubby.
Nothing necessarily wrong with this approach, as it is practiced repeatedly,
world-wide, in most human interactions. As a "hot" influencial movement
though, it probably won't get to achieve some of its most passionately held
meta goals, because of this factor.
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