Why can't people study something or checking things from both sides of an issue?

Question

I mean by not doing this people tend to show their ignorance (that is lack of knowledge) of the subject they are trying "debate".

Did not mean to sound like a snob. But there are people who do this. You could even say that this puts me in the same group. And probably does.

Mamagail that is what I meant.

Now I am not trying to say that you can't be wrong. I knew I was right on quite a few things and ended up being, well.......wrong.
Ignorance is not a bad thing. I know about hang gliding but I have never been. Also I am ignorant of a lot that goes into hang gliding. But sometimes things are said and put out as fact something that basically is based on nothing more than a lack of knowledge.
Hopefully, there are still plenty of people who want to learn more.

oceanchic66. If you would notice that I included what I meant by ignorant. That is I was not calling anyone stupid. I said they showed a lack of knowledge. These are two different things.
I believe that there are no stupid people. But there are people who do not have knowledge about things. Is this not how we were. As a baby we are ignorant of many things. But would you call a baby stupid? Of course not. They have to and need to learn.
I liked what you said. You are right. All of us are not going to see eye to eye on everything. That is why we need to learn and grow.

Answer 1

I agree that people should listen to "the other person's" side of whatever the issue is. However, to call someone ignorant or stubborn, as some have done here, is a little harsh. I have a firm belief in my religion as well as other issues. I will always listen to what someone else has to say about those issues, but just because I don't change my beliefs or agree with them does not mean that I am stubborn or ignorant. It means that I have faith in something and that my faith is strong. Some people would call that narrow-minded. I say that on some things everyone is narrow-minded. We all have a belief in something. If we were constantly changing our minds for fear of being thought narrow-minded, we would never have faith in anything!!

Answer 2

When people are certain they are correct about something, they feel there is no need to look at the subject from another point of view. To those people it isn't a debate.

I assume, due to the location of this question, you are talking about people's religious/spiritual beliefs. This area will require less "evidence" because in most religions, a measure of "faith" supercedes evidence.

The only thing that really opens people's minds to other possibilities is tragedy. Tragedy often shakes people from their firmly held beliefs and allows them to question them. Many find that their Faith was not based in truth. Others find that their Faith has held them together through the hardship.

Debate is an exchange of ideas and the presentation of factual evidence often mixed with a little bit of emotional plea from two or more sides of an issue. There is very little true debate regarding religious beliefs. Most people just want to shout as loud as a pentecostal preacher at a revival meeting that, "I'm right, and you are wrong."

Answer 3

I agree. People should look at both sides (possibilities) with an open mind, then they will be able to talk about the subject in a more accurate way. They also should learn to listen and do so with respect even if they don't agree and of course this should be both ways (listen and also give an opinion without being interrupted or disrespected). Some people want to give their opinion and then they don't want to listen if you differ with their ideals. This is not fair.
But I agree with you. Knowledge is power and we should not judge.

Answer 4

It's easier to listen to hearsay. Most people would rather take the word of a preacher or teacher that says "that group is evil"... rather than going to the group and just asking questions. Same goes for Religion vs Science, etc. People are basically lazy, I guess.

Answer 5

As you know when you are young and your parents bring you to church, they and the Church teach you about the God and Jesus. But they simply suggest to you that the devil is bad and makes you sin.
So for them to truly debate they would need the book of Satan to study along with the bible and ten based on that knowledge, they could make a logical choice

So where is the book of Satan, anyone
You can not judge thinks with only a one sided story

Answer 6

That is one of my pet peeves, too, people forming and speaking on a subject when they have done no research at all from any source, just pick a subject and hear what someone else had to say about it and spouting off. Ignorance is completely correct.

Answer 7

I do look and study both sides of everything. unless it's religion. Because I believe my Religion is the right one and I am happy with it and have no need to learn another one. I put all my time in the study of my religion
☺

Answer 8

Yes indeed. I suppose when people look at an issue, they make a snap judgement and are much more likely to take the side which seems to reflect their beliefs without much further consideration

Answer 9

I agree but what would be the fun in that. We need ignorant people out there- although I think we have too many already- so that we can entertain ourselves sometimes.

Answer 10

I strongly agree with you. I ahve a serious problem with those people who AUTOMATICALLY try to answer any question that touches their religion even if they don't know anything about the subject I am asking about!