Agree or disagree? If the facts you present don't fit with your opponent's preconceptions, then --?

Question

you will never convince him/her of the validity of your argument.

Answer 1

I was taught that you can't change the world...you can only change yourself...and after you've done that...the world changes. Then have fun!

Some people think that perception is reality...how can that be? Everyone's perception of reality is different every day. Perception changes and grows...reality is reality...not dependent upon us seeing it. The only way perception can be reality is if you think that what you think is real...then it is only a dream of the mind...unless, of course, you have SEEN Reality and it has nothing to do with your thought life. Dizzy yet?

Answer 2

It depends on how secure and open your opponent is.

Most people dislike conflict because it is threatening on a deep, personal level. We tend to equate ourselves with our beliefs. Some people so much so that they don't know who they would be if they had to change a traditionally held belief.

Our beliefs are integral. We act and react based on them. They are the filters we run all information through. It's hard to change anyone's core beliefs.

However, some people realize that the only way to find peace and reconciliation with others is to deal with conflict constructively. And that means listening without defensiveness. It is only when I consciously remove my filter and allow what you're saying to be heard that I have any chance of understanding you and having my beliefs altered by what I hear.

It may be that we simply agree to disagree. But as long as each side believes that their preconceptions are absolute truth, neither can hear validity in anything else.

I believe their is absolute truth. I also believe there can be different ways of describing it, and many levels of understanding it. However, unless you understand your opponent's perception of that truth, you cannot rationally discuss it with him/her.

Answer 3

ALL preconceptions are illogical. Just by knowing that, your opponent should realize that his/her argument can have no validity.

To theorize before the evidence is a fatal flaw in people's thought processes.

Only after gathering evidence can you accurately draw up an explanation that covers the facts.

Answer 4

I disagree, it depends on the preconception, some preconceptions can be changed, some preconceptions aren't really important at all. But since we are in Religion and Spirituality, I guess you are right (when it comes to religious preconceptions).

Answer 5

Hmm... Interesting ....
In my opinion... even rigid and fixed points of view can change ... gradually ...but to accomplish this, there must be a sensitivity to "preconceptions" ... one has to slowly descend to the edifices of these preconceptions with some illumination ...
You will not receive credit for this ... lol ...for it to be "a genuine change" in view, he will need to convince himself he(she) made the journey by himself ...and in fact,he is correct- he(she) did ... because at most we are "stimulants to one another"... "and we are our own teachers"

Answer 6

A good question. Open mindedness is the answer. Accepting each others beliefs as theirs should not be a factor in discussions. Nobody is right if everybody is wrong.
Peace and Love

Answer 7

Totally agree.

Answer 8

i agree, perception is usually mental truth for the individual, and as such is liable to invalidation. Language only gets you so far.


that'll B 2 tah mate.

Answer 9

Agree! Perception is truth.

Answer 10

it depends on how open he/she is to new facts or is steadfast in his/her beliefs, also how infalible your facts are. i guess i am riding the fence cause it could go either way depending on circumstances