General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Anti-woo commentators are a bunch of smug and condescending... [View all]1monster
(11,045 posts)If I witnessed any of my students treating another this way, that student would be on the receiving end of a stern lecture about courtesy, respect for one's peers, and the possiblity of a referral to the dean or a guidance counselor depending on the circumstances.
When you use terms that belittle your debate opponent, it is an attempt to shut them up with intimidation and humiliation and does nothing to "educate" the person you are debating. It only showcases a lack of debating skills.
It is possible to respectfully disagree with another's beliefs even if you think it is all "woo."
The fact of the matter is that there is plenty of stuff out there that was once believed to be absolute nonsense that turned out to be true and plenty of stuff that was once believed to be true that turned out to be absolute nonsense.
And there is stuff that is somewhere in between absolute nonsnese and absolute truth.