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The way people conduct themselves when discussing a controversy is often more interesting to an observer than the issue at hand. Often, dishonest debate tactics are used, especially in political campaigns, where ad hominem attacks are especially effective. Alternately, some people think that ad hominem attacks are very appropriate in representational democracies, since electing a representative involves trusting a person to do the right thing. Calling peple dishonest, on the other hand, rarely results in a good debate. Nonetheless, societies have sometimes been formed dedicated to discussion of controversial issues with (they hoped) high ethical standards. One wonders if Wiki can be such a forum. Of course, that depends on what your definition of "high ethical standards" is, and whether or not you like calling people "dishonest". Over the last four centuries, natural philosophy developed into modern science, which has dedicated itself to finding the truth about reality. It seeks to settle controversies over matters within its province by submitting hypotheses and evidence to peer review and public scrutiny. See scientific method. Gone forever are the days when scientific ideas would be suppressed (Galileo) or touted for ideological purposes (Lysenko). |
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