Thank you for this article. I think I went through similar process as well. I always want to find what good speakers and writers from every school of thought is thinking about a matter, and where they stand. Plus, I also found that there is a spectrum even on each school of thought (which is fascinating !)
I am too, in favor of such online discussions and debates. Even if, a lot of times it transorfms into fights of egos, I think it also have the benefit to show who is lacking arguments, who have huge egos, and who is teaching us interesting stuff. It also teaches how to confront or discuss with someone while "improvising".
Also, we have some responsability as viewers and listeners : if we are wasting our time watching something, let's quit the video as soon as possible. If we find a behavior inappropriate or not interesting, we should comment to let them know etc...
I hope we will still have a free, safe and respectful framework to debate in the next years, because the trials due to Youtube debates and discussions are growing...
Mr Hussein, thank you for your thoughtful and levelheaded essay and comments. I will now watch this episode of Lex’s podcast. And it is encouraging to know that you, and at least a few others, can engage in civil disagreement. My gloomy impression had been that almost all online debate inevitably turns vile. Perhaps, with luck, I’m wrong.
I would definitely agree that online discourse can be a fruitful way of navigating discussion alongside engaging a variety of perspectives, but I'd argue that debates that are framed as debates, involved a set of ground rules, and laid our rules beforehand are the best way to engage. It sounds like this was an "organized" debate. Much of lay discourse and debate merely sheds drivel and nonsense.
Well said. Lively debate from informed debaters is a wonderful thing. Just the thought of people disagreeing with each other without violence and names makes me smile.
Thank you for this article. I think I went through similar process as well. I always want to find what good speakers and writers from every school of thought is thinking about a matter, and where they stand. Plus, I also found that there is a spectrum even on each school of thought (which is fascinating !)
I am too, in favor of such online discussions and debates. Even if, a lot of times it transorfms into fights of egos, I think it also have the benefit to show who is lacking arguments, who have huge egos, and who is teaching us interesting stuff. It also teaches how to confront or discuss with someone while "improvising".
Also, we have some responsability as viewers and listeners : if we are wasting our time watching something, let's quit the video as soon as possible. If we find a behavior inappropriate or not interesting, we should comment to let them know etc...
I hope we will still have a free, safe and respectful framework to debate in the next years, because the trials due to Youtube debates and discussions are growing...
Mr Hussein, thank you for your thoughtful and levelheaded essay and comments. I will now watch this episode of Lex’s podcast. And it is encouraging to know that you, and at least a few others, can engage in civil disagreement. My gloomy impression had been that almost all online debate inevitably turns vile. Perhaps, with luck, I’m wrong.
I would definitely agree that online discourse can be a fruitful way of navigating discussion alongside engaging a variety of perspectives, but I'd argue that debates that are framed as debates, involved a set of ground rules, and laid our rules beforehand are the best way to engage. It sounds like this was an "organized" debate. Much of lay discourse and debate merely sheds drivel and nonsense.
Well said. Lively debate from informed debaters is a wonderful thing. Just the thought of people disagreeing with each other without violence and names makes me smile.