Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Celsus · 12-12-2002, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JusticeMachine:
<strong>Has anyone who is debating ideas, ideals, morality, religion or any other topics, changed there views, beliefs or actions as a result of the opposing arguments presented to them?</strong>

Of course not, don't be ridiculous.

I have very strong opinions on most things, and these have evolved over time, but rarely changed dramatically. (The only example of dramatic change I can think of was reading The Selfish Gene)

Actually, I tend to be very amenable when I see theories/arguments that, when applied to real life, explain something much better than previous theories I subscribed to. But in a debate, I rarely change my mind, unless the opponent shows how his ideas are applicable (and I accept them as applicable).

Joel

Gurdur · 12-12-2002, 10:00 PM

I have, but not through participation in these forums. I've never been given sufficient grounds here to change one of my more significant POV's.

BTW, Joe�, get your ass back to our thread.

Strawberry · 12-12-2002, 11:10 PM

When I was 14 (?) my aunt pointed out one or two little glaring inconsistencies in the Bible. I don't even remember what it was she said anymore, but it got the ball rolling...

Boy, was Dad mad. <img src="graemlins/boohoo.gif" border="0" alt="[Boo Hoo]" />

Dr. Retard · 12-13-2002, 01:44 AM

I might not be an atheist were it not for Internet debate. Bear in mind I attended Tennessee public schools.

rdalin · 12-13-2002, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JusticeMachine:
<strong>I would like a general concensous to the following question:

(I will you this forum for an test tube)

Has anyone who is debating ideas, ideals, morality, religion or any other topics, changed there views, beliefs or actions as a result of the opposing arguments presented to them?</strong>

On this and other forums I have been forced to state and defend my positions logically, which in turn forced me to think them through logically. I haven't changed my beliefs, but I'm a lot clearer on what I do believe, what I don't believe, and why.

I'm an atheist, BTW, who believes that no supernatural gods exist.

galiel · 12-13-2002, 10:55 AM

I used to be a woman.

Autonemesis · 12-13-2002, 10:57 AM

I used to be galiel.

Jamie_L · 12-13-2002, 11:14 AM

A lot of my beliefs and opinions have been refined by facing off against opposing beliefs and opinions. Few have flip-flopped. Most have either grown stronger and more well-reasoned (in my opinion), or have shifted somewhat.

My views on morality were vague at best when I came here, and I've thought on them quite a bit more since I've come here. In some respect, you might say I didn't have much of a position on morality before coming here and talking/thinking about it.

On a more general note: I was trying to recapture my Christian past right before I fully accepted my atheist leanings. It was exposure to a skeptical internet website (thought not an "atheist" website) that tipped me over the edge once and for all.

Jamie

Tom Sawyer · 12-13-2002, 12:10 PM

I've changed my mind on a number of matters based on debates I've had.

Having debates with people and being forced to back up your opinions forces you to take a harder look at them. Sometimes they don't stand up and if you want to be intellectually honest, you have to change your positions.

That is why, after a lot of debate and intellectual stimulation, I have become a conservative Christian Republican.

Darkblade · 12-14-2002, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by galiel:

I used to be a woman.

LOL!!!

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12-12-2002, 10:00 PM	#12
Gurdur Contributor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Buggered if I know Posts: 12,410	I have, but not through participation in these forums. I've never been given sufficient grounds here to change one of my more significant POV's. BTW, Joe�, get your ass back to our thread.

12-12-2002, 11:10 PM	#13
Strawberry Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Lancaster, PA/Toronto, ON, Canada Posts: 627	When I was 14 (?) my aunt pointed out one or two little glaring inconsistencies in the Bible. I don't even remember what it was she said anymore, but it got the ball rolling... Boy, was Dad mad. <img src="graemlins/boohoo.gif" border="0" alt="[Boo Hoo]" />

12-13-2002, 01:44 AM	#14
Dr. Retard Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Tucson, Arizona, USA Posts: 735	I might not be an atheist were it not for Internet debate. Bear in mind I attended Tennessee public schools.

12-13-2002, 10:55 AM	#16
galiel Banned Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Eastern Massachusetts Posts: 1,677	I used to be a woman.

12-13-2002, 10:57 AM	#17
Autonemesis Contributor Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: I've left FRDB for good, due to new WI&P policy Posts: 12,048	I used to be galiel.

12-13-2002, 11:14 AM	#18
Jamie_L Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: U.S. Posts: 2,565	A lot of my beliefs and opinions have been refined by facing off against opposing beliefs and opinions. Few have flip-flopped. Most have either grown stronger and more well-reasoned (in my opinion), or have shifted somewhat. My views on morality were vague at best when I came here, and I've thought on them quite a bit more since I've come here. In some respect, you might say I didn't have much of a position on morality before coming here and talking/thinking about it. On a more general note: I was trying to recapture my Christian past right before I fully accepted my atheist leanings. It was exposure to a skeptical internet website (thought not an "atheist" website) that tipped me over the edge once and for all. Jamie

12-13-2002, 12:10 PM	#19
Tom Sawyer Talk Freethought Staff Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Toronto, eh Posts: 42,293	I've changed my mind on a number of matters based on debates I've had. Having debates with people and being forced to back up your opinions forces you to take a harder look at them. Sometimes they don't stand up and if you want to be intellectually honest, you have to change your positions. That is why, after a lot of debate and intellectual stimulation, I have become a conservative Christian Republican.

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