JusticeMachine

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?

Bookman

I have. Through participation in these forums, I have substantially refined my political views (in addition to learning a ton about biology, philosophy, christian theology, and law).

Bookman

Oxymoron

I've never really had a "paradigm shift" where I radically alter my beliefs. This isn't how it works for me. Little snippets of argument or opponent's ideas snap into place some time after the debate - hours, days, weeks, months, maybe even years later. I play with others' concepts and see where they lead - perhaps nowhere, but even if they do, I'm not the same as I was before I heard that concept.

Few would be brave enough to alter their world view on the basis of a single argument. There's a lot to work out when moving from theism to naturalism (or, shudder, vice-versa I suppose). Progress most often occurs in small, baby steps. Ten years later you're on the other side of the world, metaphorically speaking.

tronvillain

Yes. I have reversed my positions on "free will" and "the nature of time", among other things.

Shadowy Man

Over the years my views on things have changed, some changing a lot, others just getting refined.

The less I've thought about something, the more likely it is that my views on it can be swayed. The more I've convinced myself of something, the stronger the argument will need to be for me to reconsider.

But I'm always open. At least a little.

braces_for_impact

Over the time I have been here, I have adopted new ways of thinking, adopted some ideas, and rejected others.

Most of all however, I have learned much about a wide variety of topics, and I feel my ability to "think outside the box" has increased from hanging out here, reading the forums.

winstonjen

If I am honestly convinced of another viewpoint, then yes, I would change my views on the subject. It hasn't happened yet, though.

A Pumpkin Drifter

I'd say that i have learned a lot from message boards. I think one can learn a lot form differing beliefs.

When i first started visiting philosophy forums, my agnosticism took on more definition. I had never really thought about anything like that before I got onto a message board. I wouldn't say my belief had changed though, because i remember at a young age thinking that religion was quite ridiculous...

winstonjen

The best way to learn is to always keep an open mind. Everyone has different experiences and knowledge to share. Only the dead stop learning. Others try to block it out, and those are the ones with a brick wall for a brain. They can refuse to learn, but they can't stop learning from reaching them. Sorry if this post seems a bit too cliche.

Bumble Bee Tuna

I tend not to form solid opinions that I debate unless I'm pretty damn certain of them. As a result, you won't see me changing my mind in a debate I participate in very often. Sometimes I do refine my views, though. They aren't always right. But they're usually close to it.

-B