Or a symbol maybe Trevor, for example the fast the
Dominicans held following President Bush's decision to enter the war with Iraq.
Some would see it as meaningless but surely other potent symbols, such as
non-violence, have proved their worth. I'm reminded of a quotation by
Timothy Radcliffe, ex magister of the Domicans. I paraphrase but the sense is
that when we find ourselves disagreeing vehemently with someone, if we can find
a wider truth that we can agree on and proceed from there, this can be a way of
generating purposeful dialogue with those whose views we just can't sign up to.
For example the imprtance of living together in some kind of settled peace
allowed movement forward following the wars in Mozambique and the atrocities
committed during the apartheid era in South Africa.
Margaret.
You are right June:
in the overwhelming majority of debates there is nothing to be gained and much
to be lost by being disagreeable. However, when faced by, say, a ranting
racist or a raging religious fanatic who is impervious to rational argument,
simply to walk away is not always enough. A protest by condemnation,
rebuke or ridicule may be the best option even if the ranter sees this as
disagreeable.
Trevor.
From: A list
to promote discussion of philosophical issues in nursing
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of June
Kikuchi
Sent: 13 November 2008 18:31
To:
[log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: pointless to
argue
>> "... with
someone who you think does not respond to reasoned argument it might be
appropriate to be disagreeable ... Being disagreeable would at least
demonstrate opposition and act as a
protest."
I'm wondering why
just disagreeing and giving your reasons for disagreement but not entering
into an argument would not suffice. What would be gained from being
disagreeable?
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