I already have a judgment of the opinion of homophobes.
I agree with you on this for slightly different grounds; hatred grows in the dark, and shrivels up in the light. Which is to say, I don’t see any particular value in agreement or disagreement or judgment, per se, but I do see value in the ability to offer counterargument. I might not be able to change the opinion of this particular person, but those who might grow to share their opinions otherwise.
(That being said, I wish -my side- would shut up most of the time, particularly on political matters. I have to put up with the reputation their nonsense engenders for us. Sturgeon’s Law means free speech is best left for your opponents to hang themselves with.)
You’re looking at this very strategically. You want people on your side to be more discreet, so that “your side” can “win”. This seems inappropriate, because your side is defined by a set of beliefs, not a group of people. It’s almost as if you want people with whom you share some beliefs, to help your side win, by promoting those beliefs while holding back their other beliefs.
For example, it sounds like you disagree with most self-identified rationalists/ atheists on political matters. If so, how are they on your side, anyway? They have their own agendas, which don’t align perfectly with yours. So shouldn’t you be glad that they’ve given you enough rope to hang them with?
I already have a judgment of the opinion of homophobes.
I agree with you on this for slightly different grounds; hatred grows in the dark, and shrivels up in the light. Which is to say, I don’t see any particular value in agreement or disagreement or judgment, per se, but I do see value in the ability to offer counterargument. I might not be able to change the opinion of this particular person, but those who might grow to share their opinions otherwise.
(That being said, I wish -my side- would shut up most of the time, particularly on political matters. I have to put up with the reputation their nonsense engenders for us. Sturgeon’s Law means free speech is best left for your opponents to hang themselves with.)
You’re looking at this very strategically. You want people on your side to be more discreet, so that “your side” can “win”. This seems inappropriate, because your side is defined by a set of beliefs, not a group of people. It’s almost as if you want people with whom you share some beliefs, to help your side win, by promoting those beliefs while holding back their other beliefs.
For example, it sounds like you disagree with most self-identified rationalists/ atheists on political matters. If so, how are they on your side, anyway? They have their own agendas, which don’t align perfectly with yours. So shouldn’t you be glad that they’ve given you enough rope to hang them with?
They hang part of my agenda along with themselves.
There are always casualties, but the more of my agenda I can salvage, the better.