Premises for discussions

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 01 Sep 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

debins	01 Sep 2002
I really enjoy--for the most part--the controversial topics here on the forum. What I would like to see would be for participants to preface their discussions, arguments, debates and replies with their premises. That is, one could begin their thread or their reply with what their opinion is based on. Sometimes such premises make it into the debate; sometimes they don't. And sometimes they come a little too late to be effective. Me included. It might help facilitate the flow of logic, and maybe unravel some circuitous chats. But mainly, I know it would help me LEARN "why" it is that people believe what they believe rather than just simply witness what people believe. I have found that the posts most interesting to me include more than opinion; they include rationale. Hope I'm not being too pedanatic or tedious. I love hearing from all of you. Namaste, Debins.

cricket	01 Sep 2002
eeeek.... Does this have something to do with the discussion on fetus' rights in the spirituality thread? If it does, I would like to apologize (which I should do anyway) for being so... um... volatile on the matter. *runs off to post there again, explaining myself a little bit*

debins	01 Sep 2002
Well actually, that thread did make me think of it and decide to suggest it, but many other threads in the past have as well. I think it's easier to recognize what it is we are responding to and easier to reply effectively when we know another's premise. As for the details, they likely follow as a matter of course from that premise, but not always. Also, I have personally found that by thinking about AND articulating my premise first I am not misunderstood. And I think respect for a person's opinions are likely to be more apparent when their premises is stated upfront. Namaste, Debins.

Kiama	02 Sep 2002
debins, what a good idea! It certainly would be alot easier to get your head around what the poster is trying to say, if you know what their explanantion is leading upto beforehand... That way there are also no misunderstandings as to what is really meant. I think I'll try this Kiama

jade	02 Sep 2002
the more you post in this fashion the more others will follow :D love jade

The Premises for discussions thread was originally posted on 01 Sep 2002 in the Chat board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Chat, or read more archived threads.