Are discussions on Sheffield Forum too simplistic?

[SpikeMac]

But there are also people with oppossite views, left and right, socialist and capitist, environmentalist and petrol-head; they dont need to be wind-up merchants, just giving their side of the story.

 

Indeed not. And high quality debate is the very lifeblood of a forum like this. Vive la difference.

 

However, you only need to look at the Thatcher overspill into this thread to see what the problem is. And, as a bonus, it will help you to identify a few of the wind up merchants:)

[Jessica23]

I think that I agree with you. I'm certainly more open minded in real life than I am on internet forums.

 

I do try to see both sides of everything. As you can see from the provocative stuff even on this thread, that is some times difficult. Especially when others are trying to gain a bite.

 

I'm not convinced that trying to see both sides of everything is necessarily a virtue. On certain subjects I have absolutely implacable views. They're views that I've developed over the last twenty years, generally ones backed up by a hell of a lot of reading and discussion and debate over the same period (in the offline world as well as the on). I've arrived where I have because on the evidence available to me that's the position that I think is right, or correct, or more likely than the alternative. I've generally considered both sides of most questions extensively before I get to my position when it's an 'entrenched' one.

 

Of course, on other topics I couldn't give a toss one way or the other.

[tinfoilhat]

Two of us actually, another certain member copied my signature *shakes fist*

 

With regards to the OP, no, I've seen quite a few people on here open to having their minds changed, I myself have changed my opinion on a few things after reading certain discussions.

Everyone's entitled to an opinion, the trouble is that some will try to claim their opinion as a matter of fact, rather than just opinion, but when asked to provide some kind of structured argument or explanation to back up this claim many cannot offer any and tend to get angry or abusive.

 

Right boosterboy, outside. ;)

 

I had mine first, June or July I think.

[PeteMorris]

But there are also people with oppossite views, left and right, socialist and capitist, environmentalist and petrol-head; they dont need to be wind-up merchants, just giving their side of the story.

 

Well yes I agree...there will always be opposing views in all walks of society. But I think the point being made, are those that 'choose' an opposing view, merely to be antagonistic.

 

I don't think anyone minds a reasoned, intellectual, even heated debate about something they passionately believe in. It's when it descends into name calling, abuse, and being foul mouthed, that's what hacks people off, and inevitably those with another view fail to contribute for (can't find a better word)...'fear' of being the target!

[RootsBooster]

Right boosterboy, outside. ;)

 

I had mine first, June or July I think.

 

*struts down the alley, clicking fingers and chewing a toothpick*

 

Couple of years for me

[SpikeMac]

I'm not convinced that trying to see both sides of everything is necessarily a virtue. On certain subjects I have absolutely implacable views. They're views that I've developed over the last twenty years, generally ones backed up by a hell of a lot of reading and discussion and debate over the same period (in the offline world as well as the on). I've arrived where I have because on the evidence available to me that's the position that I think is right, or correct, or more likely than the alternative. I've generally considered both sides of most questions extensively before I get to my position when it's an 'entrenched' one.

.

 

Surely, you can still see the other side, even when you have an entrenched position.

 

More importantly, do you think that being open to new evidence and information is a virtue?

[mikem8634]

I have to admit that I find it a bit odd that some appear to carry disdain for those who attempt to offer a considered opinion. That is it somehow wishy-washy to consider both sides of an issue and the potential flaws in your own position before you post is not a position I can understand. I cannot think of many forum issues that are not truly complex and nuanced once you apply a little investigation and critical thinking yet there is, more often than not, a rush to paint things in black and white and declare things as simple as, end of.

 

Is doubt not an essential ingredient of any intelligent position?

[Jessica23]

Surely, you can still see the other side, even when you have an entrenched position.

 

More importantly, do you think that being open to new evidence and information is a virtue?

 

Yes, of course. But new information and evidence is in pretty short supply on here.

[SpikeMac]

Yes, of course. But new information and evidence is in pretty short supply on here.

 

Oh, I don't know.

 

There's a whole lot of political revisionism going on at the moment:D

[Mr Bloke]

But there are some that take what is written personally, its just words from an anon-person.

I'm not sure I fully agree with this.

 

If you have spent time constructing a meaningful reply then of course it's a bit personal to you - it's what you believe!

 

It would be nice to think that when your beliefs are attacked that you could just ignore it because "it's just words from an anon-person", but does it really work like that?

 

If you are the sort of person that can just ignore any remark that you don't agree with then why are you posting on a thread anyway?

 

I would suggest that the only people that don't take comments at least a bit personally are those who don't really believe in what they have posted in the first place - that is the wind-up merchants!