Is it stupid to think.............

Matblack · 27-01-2008, 19:52

.... you could change someones deep seated opinions and prejudices through rational argument on the internet?

MB

Von Smallhausen · 27-01-2008, 19:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matblack

.... you could change someones deep seated opinions and prejudices through rational argument on the internet?

MB

That would depend on the forum as well as the person Mat and certain people I have come across on the web are so ingrained through arrogance and lack of life experience that they are beyond rational argument.

I think I know where you are coming from.

Roberta · 28-01-2008, 08:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Von Smallhausen

That would depend on the forum as well as the person Mat and certain people I have come across on the web are so ingrained through arrogance and lack of life experience that they are beyond rational argument.

Absolutely.

Justsomebloke · 28-01-2008, 19:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Von Smallhausen

That would depend on the forum as well as the person Mat and certain people I have come across on the web are so ingrained through arrogance and lack of life experience that they are beyond rational argument.

Nail/Head/Hit.

I love the posters that post with Authority about things they have No actual experience in

I also love the Holier than thou crowd that Never do Anything wrong

It seems the Interweb not only makes people Brave but it makes them an Authority on any subject they have recently Googled

Pebs · 28-01-2008, 19:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by malc30

Nail/Head/Hit.

I love the posters that post with Authority about things they have No actual experience in

I also love the Holier than thou crowd that Never do Anything wrong

It seems the Interweb not only makes people Brave but it makes them an Authority on any subject they have recently Googled

LOL! I just love you Malc!

Justsomebloke · 28-01-2008, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pebs

LOL! I just love you Malc!

Not Fair, I have to be Witty & Funny to get your Love.
All you have to do is wear your Black boots

AboveTheSalt · 12-09-2008, 11:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by cleanbluesky

The OP carries the assumption that said people SHOULD change their mind, which in turn suggests that he is right and they are wrong.

Yes, I had noticed this rather strange starting point. There are also a whole range of questions as to where one draws lines between opinions, views, prejudices, etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cleanbluesky

The answer to the original question lies in WHY people hold their opinion. If person A believes something that isn't true and person B provides evidence that it isn't true, then person A would change their view of the world unless they simply wanted to believe a lie.

There is also the whole issue of instances where it is impossible realistically to determine that one view is "right" or "wrong" - religious faith is a very obvious example.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Von Smallhausen

... certain people I have come across on the web are so ingrained through arrogance and lack of life experience that they are beyond rational argument.

Irony or what

Dymetrie · 27-01-2008, 19:56

Optimistic, yes... Stupid, no...

vix · 27-01-2008, 19:57

Yeah I'd say it would depend on the person and how much they believed in their own prejudices.

I was trying to think of the prejudices I have and whether I would change them if someone gave me a rational arguement, but I don't think I would.

I'd also not bother trying to change peoples opinions either. Even if it's hurtful to me, I tend to let them have their own opinions and just get on with things. Don't get too worked up about stuff.

Matblack · 27-01-2008, 20:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by vix

Yeah I'd say it would depend on the person and how much they believed in their own prejudices.

I was trying to think of the prejudices I have and whether I would change them if someone gave me a rational arguement, but I don't think I would.

I'd also not bother trying to change peoples opinions either. Even if it's hurtful to me, I tend to let them have their own opinions and just get on with things. Don't get too worked up about stuff.

Thats good advice, I think I'll print one of these out and have a glass of wine

MB

View Poll Results: Is is?
Yes, leave them alone and try not to be so serious	12	52.17%
No, if you can change one persons mind with 1,000 posts its worth trying	11	47.83%
Voters: 23. You may not vote on this poll

27-01-2008, 19:52	#1
Matblack Baby Bore Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Svalbard Posts: 9,770	Is it stupid to think............. .... you could change someones deep seated opinions and prejudices through rational argument on the internet? MB __________________ "we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two"

27-01-2008, 19:56	#8
Dymetrie A large glass of Merlot Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Letchworth with a Lightsaber Posts: 5,819	Optimistic, yes... Stupid, no... __________________ Khef, Ka and Ka-Tet....

27-01-2008, 19:57	#9
vix Penelope Pitstop Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 4,426	Yeah I'd say it would depend on the person and how much they believed in their own prejudices. I was trying to think of the prejudices I have and whether I would change them if someone gave me a rational arguement, but I don't think I would. I'd also not bother trying to change peoples opinions either. Even if it's hurtful to me, I tend to let them have their own opinions and just get on with things. Don't get too worked up about stuff. __________________