Why would it be important to understand a controversial theory, even if you do not agree with it?
2006-08-23 15:07:28 · 16 answers · asked by rumilb 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
How can you truly disagree with something unless you understand it?
Only after being informed on the subject can one take an educated position for or against it.
If you have no knowledge of the theory, you cannot judge its merits.
Then, after you have come to a conclusion that you disagree with the theory, it is still important to have some knowledge of it so you can properly back your opinions and engage in intelligent debates on the subject.
2006-08-23 15:11:44 · answer #1 · answered by mrjeffy321 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
That partly depends on what you mean by "controversial." Is this a case of a true controversy, where there is reason and evidence on both sides, and scientists disagree? Then, as others have pointed out, it makes no sense to say "I don't know that view, but it's wrong."
If it's a matter of political controversy about a scientific question (where people who know science agree, but non-scientists don't like what science says), then, the only reason to understand it would be to refute it. If you want to convince people, you have to master the theory in order to show its flaws. If you don't want to bother with it at all, then I'm not sure it IS important.
(Consider "smoking is bad for you" as an analogy. When the only people in the world who disagree have a stake in disagreeing -- people paid by tobacco companies and smokers deluding themselves -- then it's only important for those who are fighting that particular battle to understand what the tobacco companies are saying, and everyone else can ignore it.)
2006-08-23 22:21:58 · answer #2 · answered by tehabwa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is always good to know both sides of an arguement, even if it is just to make your arguement stronger...
it makes you a well-rounded and knowledgable person...you can't really know your side is right without knowing why the other side is wrong
the same would go for a theory you don't agree with...you couldn't prove it wrong or argue against it unless you knew what the theory was!
2006-08-23 22:13:47 · answer #3 · answered by la wendada 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An educated person wants to see the perspective of someone else's theories, even if they do not agree. That way, you have a better foundation for making your own arguments.
2006-08-23 22:08:59 · answer #4 · answered by Shopgirl9337 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
So you can understand the other point of view. Even if you do not agree, there are people who do, and you should try to understand their thinking.
2006-08-23 22:12:55 · answer #5 · answered by Carol R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If someone just makes up some crazy hypothesis and keeps yelling about it loud enough and often enough in order to generate a "controversy" and try to gain legitimacy, you may safely ignore their so-called theory.
2006-08-23 22:12:31 · answer #6 · answered by banjuja58 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
to improve your own ability to reason.... to take things on their merit as being sound or "controversial"...and provide arguements for and against...
to promote debate with others on principles and not personal beliefs
many theories can be attacked...they're not perfect (hence THEORIES)... that doesn't mean they have no merit
2006-08-23 22:17:11 · answer #7 · answered by Brian D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How can you disagree with a theory if you don't understand it?
2006-08-23 22:15:27 · answer #8 · answered by cmriley1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes- so that you can truly know whether you disagree with or not....if you dont understand it you dont have a right not to agree- its like one of those things- "Im a democrat because my parents are"...well that sure as hell says a lot....lol
2006-08-23 22:13:43 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How can you possibly know whether or not you agree with it, when you don't even understand it?
2006-08-23 22:12:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋