From: Greg Burch (gregburch@gregburch.net)
Date: Sat Jun 14 2003 - 06:46:17 MDT
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Behalf Of Lee Corbin
> Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2003 7:44 PM
>
> I propose a pledge. We could start by debating certain
> ideals that are much more down-to-earth and concrete than the
> Extropian ideals. These would seek to "govern" (in the
> loosest possible sense of the term) the manner of debate
> here. (Besides, it would be vastly interesting to see if
> such ideals could be agreed upon in the first
> place.)
>
> Then, perhaps, if some general agreement was reached, one's
> on-line "signing" of the pledge might give one little pause
> when retaliating against the latest outrage from the other side.
>
> Just an idea.
>
> But I cannot refrain from immediately proposing three.
>
> I acknowledge that most posters are of fundamentally good
> will, and sound mind, and despite having from time to time
> gone beyond the limits of good taste, and despite having
> over-reacted to others' posts, they are capable---even my
> bitterest ideological adversaries, as well as myself---of
> doing better.
>
> I acknowledge that no identifiable political or philosophical
> position has a monopoly on truth and rightness, including
> mine. Extremely intelligent and highly moral people of all
> persuasions can be found (perhaps amazingly) holding almost
> any position whatsoever. Therefore, I will conduct myself
> in as high-minded manner as I can, especially in refraining
> from name-calling and ad hominem remarks, and will strive to
> address other posters respectfully.
>
> I will try to avoid using the list as an emotional outlet,
> instead merely to state the truth as I see it, and point out,
> both courteously and politely what appear to me to be the
> mistaken philosophies and conjectures of those I disagree with.
Well said, Lee! If you care about this list as a forum for continuing
discussions of vital ideas and issues, PLEASE read -- and REREAD --
Lee's post and make a conscious and continuing effort to adopt Lee's
pledge.
Lee's suggestion is especially important when it comes to topics
touching on politics and ideology. Because truth claims are so much
more difficult to falsify in these areas, and because we higher primates
have an inescapable emotional attachment to our cultural in-group, the
temptation to escalate rhetoric when addressing such subjects is great.
This means that people who value self-governance must work ALL THE
HARDER to embody ideals of courtesy in their own communication. Before
you employ sarcasm, THINK about the effect it will have on people whom
you KNOW disagree strongly with you and on the over-all atmosphere on
the list.
A personal note. Someone recently asked for a statement by people
identified with list governance about their own personal opinions on the
war in Iraq. I'll respond. I favored the war, although with strong
reservations. I know that others WHOSE OPINIONS I RESPECT disagree with
me. This is why I have made my communications on the subject brief and
as unemotional and polite as I can.
Greg Burch
Vice President, Extropy Institute
My Blog: http://www.gregburch.net/burchismo.html
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.5 : Sat Jun 14 2003 - 06:55:46 MDT