Why We Argue The Way We Do

[Tim Smith]

I really enjoyed this.

If you can be patient with it, you might too.

It's a psych researcher talking about a theory of how "reason" came to be (to win arguments, convince others to do what we want, and to keep others from influencing us too much). It goes on to discuss how our natural tendancy to "reason" with each other requires some modification if we want to actually arrive at objective facts. He goes on to point out that we are pretty good at arriving at technical truths (that don't involve a personal stake in issues), but very bad at seeing objective truths about ourselves.

It also includes a nice selection about the tendancy people have to think "we" know what we're talking about and how becomes less and less true as we fail to take in input from others around us.

In a conservation forum, where we apply technical knowledge to our personal situations as citizens, anglers, and conservationists, this kind of perspective could be helpful, I believe.

In my opinion it's also great support for Phil's approach to letting topics thrash out here as long as we avoid personal attacks and maintain respect for each other and the forum.

[Mitch f]

I really enjoyed this.

If you can be patient with it, you might too.

It's a psych researcher talking about a theory of how "reason" came to be (to win arguments, convince others to do what we want, and to keep others from doing what we want them to do). It goes on to discuss how our natural tendancy to "reason" with each other requires some modification if we want to actually arrive at objective facts. He goes on to point out that we are pretty good at arriving at technical truths (that don't involve a personal stake in issues), but very bad at seeing objective truths about ourselves.

It also includes a nice selection about the tendancy people have to think "we" know what we're talking about and how becomes less and less true as we fail to take in input from others around us.

In a conservation forum, where we apply technical knowledge to our personal situations as citizens, anglers, and conservationists, this kind of perspective could be helpful, I believe.

In my opinion it's also great support for Phil's approach to letting topics thrash out here as long as we avoid personal attacks and maintain respect for each other and the forum.

Everyone's journey in life starts at a different place and moves at a different speed, it's very hard for most to understand that and give lenience to the fellow posters, as they have most likely given lenience to you.

[Tim Smith]

Everyone's journey in life starts at a different place and moves at a different speed, it's very hard for most to understand that and give lenience to the fellow posters, as they have most likely given lenience to you.

The shoe goes on all feet, including mine, yes.

[Fly_Guy]

Why do we argue the way we do? Cause we ain't fishing 'nuff

[Stoneroller]

that's such nonsense...

[Al Agnew]

Actually we argue the way we do because people are too stupid to know that I'm always right!

[Stoneroller]

you people who think you know everything really annoy those of us who do... r