Wednesday, April 28, 2010
A logical reason to not be mean
Basis: A person tends to ignore statements—regardless of the statements validity—from individuals the person dislikes while receiving openly statements from individuals the person does like.
Assumption: An individual’s aversion to mean people is predicated on biology or sociology (the way in which the brain is wired or matures due to cultural influences, etc) and is therefore not easily overcome and not instantly arbitrary.
Proposition: When attempting to convince others of one’s own correctness the stated assumption should be accounted for.
I make a claim I would like others to take seriously.
I know it is more likely to be accepted if I am well received.
I know I can increase my chances of being well received if I propose my claim respectfully.
Conclusion: Propositions (e.g., criticisms) should always be as truthful as possible. However, presenting propositions with respect and dignity will never harm one’s chances of being heard. Therefore, not being mean is a logical route to convincing others of one's own correctness.
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What cracks me up is that Mr. Belmont will hold forth almost indefinitely about his supposed field of expertise—biology—and claims to be knowledgeable about theories pioneered by Dawkins; yet, he doesn't understand that humans are not robots. "The logic of my idea ought to be sufficient; nothing else should matter!" Whatever.
ReplyDeleteWe are all meatsacks subjugated by our biological impulses. If someone acts aggressively towards us, even if we imagine ourselves to be haughty intellectuals, our animal brains will still react.
I don't claim any special knowledge or expertise on the subject, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if we were designed to ignore or disbelieve communications given to us by people we perceive as enemies.
Still, it's quite a circus. ♬ It's the Circus of LIfe, it amuses us all ♬
By your reasoning Shane, since Barry doesn't like or respect any of you (or anyone except his "buddy" Russell), he won't listen to this. Simultaneously proving your point while not learning a damn thing. A bit ironic
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