>From: Anders Sandberg <asa@nada.kth.se>
>"Bryan Moss" <bryan.moss@btinternet.com> writes:
>
> > Anders Sandberg wrote:
> >
> > > If you sit silent the other side gets space to fill the air
> > > with their views. First they get to make then known. Then
> > > they will seem reasonable. Then they are turned into law.
> > > And then you will not be allowed to develop or use the cool
> > > gene tech.
> >
> > I don't know. Some things really aren't worth arguing. I'm
> > doubtful the process of converting baseless arguments into
> > laws will be as smooth as your account suggests, it's like
> > building houses out of imaginary bricks.
>
>It might not be worth arguing with the person that makes the silly
>claims, because they will not listen. But it is definitely worth
>making the arguments for the benefits of all the listeners, who have
>not yet formed an opinion.
You never win an "argument." Take it from me, I argue for a living. You
might occasionally be able to persuade someone with whom you're having a
*conversation*. But you'll *never* have an argument which ends with your
opponent saying: "Hey, you're right! Thanks for showing me the stupidity of
my own beliefs!"
My point? Forget about debates. Concentrate on memes. Websites, books,
conferences, mailing lists, organizations. Not to mention putting your
money where your brain is (like Mr. Yudkowsky & company). That and keeping
in mind the virtual impossibility of legislating against progress. In this
day and age it just can't be done, at least not on a global scale.
-Zero
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This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Mon May 28 2001 - 09:59:43 MDT