On Sat, Aug 30, 2008 at 8:32 AM, William T Goodall <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote: > > > People could use that skill in on-line discussions! > > > > That assumes there aren't crazy religionists trying to play the system > to promote their superstitious pernicious garbage.
Much more than that. The essence of reasonable debate is that the participants are armed with sufficient education and discipline to resist irrationality and form arguments that provoke greater understanding, knowledge and perhaps wisdom. For many years now, I have believed that this is one of the ways in which the Internet is shaping the long-term future. Despite the flame wars, gossip and general nonsense that happens in on-line communities, I do believe that many people are rediscovering the value of argument, the power of diverse viewpoints in problem-solving. This is the stuff that stimulates creativity, I believe -- creativity which, even if limited to a minority, can have a profound positive impact on all. Nick _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
