GunnerJ

I'd just like to point out that I'm only 18 (contrary to what my pic might lead you to believe). Whether that raises or lowers your opinion of me, I can't even guess.

chekmate

I have to add that this has screwed me over in my College Math courses as well... "What do you mean 'No calculators!?'"

Anyway, I am 18, and I admit that I do have a hard time formulating some of my thoughts about things, but once I get them out there, they are well thought out, and easily defendable. I think that I could probably use a couple more years experience in the "real world" as you guy put it, but I'm still getting an education.

Also, I took aphilosophy class in High School, and look what it has done to me!!! It turned me into a heathen. The only one in my class I might add. Whether that says something about the quality of the class, or the quality of my mental capacity, you'll never know. I think that philosophy should be required in both High School and College, whereever you go.

[ May 17, 2002: Message edited by: chekmate ]</p>

sullster

I have to reply to you. My opinion of you is not lowered ,or raised for that matter, because of your age. You seem very articulate and wise beyond your years from the posts I have read.

I have a love of WW2 history and one thing that always amazes me is how young the soldiers were. This is true in all wars, admittedly. Men, your age were piloting bombers and making life and death decisions on battlefields back then. It is amazing what is expected of the young sometimes.

Now, it is different. Adolescence goes on for many years. Being a Baby-Boomer, I know that my generation made not growing up an ideal and all you young people have inhereted our culture. It would be utter hypocracy for me to disparage you because you are 18.

Yet, I put people your age in a certain category. I remember what is was like to be 18 and know that you are trying to get your bearings on how to live. Someone like Fastfalcon has fallen into the trap of religious belief, but he could escape it. The wonderful thing about being 18 is also what is dangerous about it. There are many choices and freedoms but their price is the possibility of physical or mental damage.

I wish you much luck, you will still be here long after I am gone.

GunnerJ

Thank you so much, sullster. This means a lot.

I have a somehwat negative reaction to this ideal. I'm always chiding myself for not being mature enough. Whenever I screw up or do something childish, or whenever I'm weak, I get mad at myself. I seem to expect to be grown up by now, when most of the people my age (and older) are still basically children.

The Other Michael

I'm pushing 50, and I'll chime in and say I've spoken with some 9th graders who make a LOT more sense than people 4 times their age.

I think the forum is good as it lets the younger ones post and have their opinions taken at face value, rather than prejudged and possibly dismissed based on their age.

If Fast Falcon hadn't mentioned his age I'd have presumed he was just another recent convert that was still in the "giddy" phase of conversion.

After all, just look at some of the stuff that comes out of the mouths of allegedly mature and thoughtful columnists/talkin head pundits. Some of them seem to be operating at the 7th grade "oh yeah? well so's yer old man" stage of discourse.

cheers,
Michael

Automaton

Indeed.
Well, this makes sense. Obviously nontheists can't talk about theism either! It is possible to have experience or knowledge about things without those things actually happening to you, you know?

case

I would have to say that although age shouldn't be a factor in an argument, it is. While there are certainly exceptions, I think in general 14-19 year olds don't have the expirence necessary to contribute to many arguments. Not that this is necessarily their fault; I feel that today's educational system does anything but teach critical thinking.

However, when evaluating an argument, I can't consider age a factor. A sound argument is a sound argument, whether it comes from a 15 year old or a 50 year old. It's just so happens that they usually come from 50 year olds.

I wouldn't dismiss an argument out of hand based on age for another reason: the fact they they are on here, posting. I joined this forum to help me improve my critical thinking and debating skills. While only 22, I've had enough life expirence for the next 20 years. My academic abilities, however, are somewhat lacking. And the more I interact with this forum, the better they get. Which is why I think that, while some ranting threads can just be ignored, all serious posts should be given due consideration, regardless of age. How else are we to learn?

lpetrich

For the record, I'm an old geezer -- I'll be 42 this year.

Sephiroth

Hmm, ironically, I tend to ignore the arguments of old Christians since they seem to have the strongest holier-than-thou attitude and are so certain that the heathen shall burn. I also do tend to ignore 12 year-olds and alot of younger teenagers as well for aforementioned reasons although I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and there were kids that have surprised me with their arguments (only one of them was a Christian and liberal at that, most followed eastern religions or were atheist). Critical thinking is something just not emphasized in the education system these days so I don't hold it against the kid if he thinks pretty trees=god exists (or anything on that caliber). The dominant religion being opposed to critical thinking doesn't help one iota either.

Hobbs

Yea, but looking back on it, they had more fun than those of us who were interested in the Big Questions at that age. Especially when the only ones around offering an answer to those Big Questions were adult fundies. I have a distinct lack of fond memories from high school.