COMMON
SENSE PRINCIPLES OF DISCUSSION
by Anthony Rizzi
Effective and civil discussion is absolutely
essential in reestablishing science on its firm foundation. Since discussion
has in recent times become less and less clearly centered on its purpose —
which is to get to the truth — we find we have developed bad habits of
discussion. Indeed it often happens that, despite our good intentions,
discussions degenerate into incivility. It is our hope that the following
thoughts will help restore the right emphasis and civility in conversation.
l) The aim of discussion is to
arrive at a precise statement of a problem
and a true answer. It is profitable if progress in achieving this goal
is made even if there is not ultimate success.
2) The first step in critical
thinking must be to state a problem clearly in the form A is B, or at least
that A is not B. Many disagreements arise from not being clear about what
problem is to be solved.
3) lf you are speaking to someone
who has more education and knowledge in the field under discussion, give
deference to him. This means that conversation will not equally split with each
person speaking 50% of the time. Clearly, the one who has more knowledge will
necessarily have to
spend more time relating it.
a)
The receiver of knowledge
should not resent the giver merely because the giver gives more, i.e. speaks
more. Indeed, like the receiver of a wonderful material gift, the spiritual
gift of knowledge should be received with sincere appreciation. Few who receive
a gift of gold will respond with accusations of unfairness about the inequity
involved of them not being able to respond in kind. Rather, most will receive
it with great thanks and enthusiasm as lottery winners do. Since the spiritual
gift of knowledge is literally infinitely more valuable, the gratitude of the
receiver of knowledge should be immense.
b)
One essential way of showing gratitude to the giver, which is also an exercise
of justice, is to remember his gift and acknowledge him to others. Remembering
is key in the process of finding and verifying trustworthy sources, for one
needs to remember who has given what to be able to note whose information is
reliable.
