The Philosophy Forums at OnlinePhilosophyClub.com aim to be an oasis of intelligent in-depth civil debate and discussion. Topics discussed extend far beyond philosophy and philosophers. What makes us a philosophy forum is more about our approach to the discussions than what subject is being debated. Common topics include but are absolutely not limited to neuroscience, psychology, sociology, cosmology, religion, political theory, ethics, and so much more.
This is a humans-only philosophy club. We strictly prohibit bots and AIs from joining.
Pattern-chaser wrote: ↑October 6th, 2022, 7:54 am
There are many people — bright, intelligent and well-informed people — who say this, but it really doesn't seem to be the case. Logical persuasion does not change people's minds. We only have to refer to our own life experience, in the real world, to confirm this. Purely logical argument often causes people to double down on their beliefs and/or behaviour. It can make matters worse. Human being are not logical or rational creatures. Yes, we can behave logically and rationally, on occasion, but we definitely can't keep it up.
Paul91 wrote: ↑October 6th, 2022, 5:22 pm
If you say "logical persuasion does not change people's minds" and we are "not logical or rational creatures", then what role do you think philosophy plays in society in general? To me, your argument makes the art/science of philosophy seem a bit vain.
Philosophy is one way that we, in our sometimes-rational way, can learn stuff that might actually be true and useful. I think philosophy is essential, not vain.
Pattern-chaser wrote: ↑October 7th, 2022, 11:08 am
Philosophy is one way that we, in our sometimes-rational way, can learn stuff that might actually be true and useful. I think philosophy is essential, not vain.
Perhaps philosophy is more of a process that involves insightful reflection on what we already discover or intuit as seemingly true and possibly useful. I suppose if there still remains ignorance (and the resultant suffering), this learning process is a necessary part of development.
Pattern-chaser wrote: ↑October 7th, 2022, 11:08 am
Philosophy is one way that we, in our sometimes-rational way, can learn stuff that might actually be true and useful. I think philosophy is essential, not vain.
Paul91 wrote: ↑October 7th, 2022, 11:34 am
Perhaps philosophy is more of a process that involves insightful reflection on what we already discover or intuit as seemingly true and possibly useful. I suppose if there still remains ignorance (and the resultant suffering), this learning process is a necessary part of development.
Yes, I agree. "Insightful reflection" is surely a valuable practice. Philosophy, after all, is nothing but serious and considered thought, regardless of the specific matter(s) being thought about.