I have no objection with people criticising those they disagree with. I frequently do it myself. I have always believed however in standing behind my comments so that those who I criticise can, should they wish to, take issue with my criticisms and attempt to refute them.
It seems that elements within the McCain campaign do not take the same view. The criticisms of Sarah Palin emanating from former staffers, no doubt trying to make sure that the buck stops somewhere other than themselves, are being made anonymously.
Anonymous smears are a shameful tactic, and demonstrate these people to be cowards and sleazeballs of the worst kind.
Posts
14 hours ago
1 comment:
Hi Pete, excellent blog here, stumbled across it by happy chance-- some sound comments.
I agree with your point above, effective debating indeed should not be about having to refute what your opponent says.
If your opponents view is worthy and sound, it should be easily backed up with evidence/proof (a logical argument is one that is based on reasoning after all). Just because something can't be refuted, doesn't make it fact: I can't prove God doesn't exist, so does that mean he definitely does exist (rhetorical question!)?
I think any argument that relies solely on people having to refute it, is weak at best: At worst indicates to the audience that one is insecure in one's thoughts, if an argument relies on the inability to refute-- or that the person has insufficient evidence to back his/hers claims up-- hence the defensive “refute it” tactic.
For example I could say there's a green mouse in my house. It would be futile of you to prove to that there is *not* a green mouse in my house-- as well as highly arrogant and presumptuous of me to ask. I'm making the claim that there is one-- thus it is my responsibility to prove that there is one.
In conclusion, if an opponent is asking to refute a view, then I think you ought to refuse-- why should you refute their claims¬? If their claims are valid, then they should be able to back up their case: Their views, their responsibility to prove; just as you put your case forward, you would give evidence for your claims-- so people take you (and your views) seriously.
Keep up the good work!
¬ Unless they make false allegations about you/your claims of course, which you negate by proving what you actually are (for).
Post a Comment