ss <[email protected]> writes: > On Friday 19 Dec 2008 11:52:23 pm Perry E. Metzger wrote: >> I'm not trying to make you understand my viewpont. I'm trying to show >> others why you're wrong. > > An honest admission, and it was obvious from the start. > > There was no intent to discuss to begin with as I pointed out, or to actually > read what I wrote. And I believe I was right in my judgment.
I believe you're misstating the situation rather dramatically. I've read what you wrote. I think it is incorrect. I want others to see that it is incorrect as well. I'm also attempting to be as clear as possible in demonstrating why I disagree in an attempt to be persuasive. Now, I don't actually believe your opinions are likely to change regardless of how persuasive I am. That doesn't mean I don't think my arguments *should* persuade you, it means that I don't think they will, so I don't see that as a specific goal. However, an equally valid purpose in arguing is for the benefit of the audience -- one need not only argue for the benefit of the interlocutor. Merely because you will not benefit does not mean others will not. You appear to think this is equivalent to my stating that I find it valid to twist the truth (I try my hardest not to) or that I am ignoring your statements (I am not). There is a great distinction between saying "I don't think I'll persuade you" and "I will deliberately misinterpret you to third parties." Perry
