Who among you read a variety of viewpoints on issues before you make up your minds?

Question

Judging from many of the questions asked, most seem to be consulting sources that are clearly biased on one side or the other. Wouldn't it be wiser to look at the evidence, pro and con, before deciding your positions?
Can reasonable people then disagree without trying to portray the other side as the devil???

Answer 1

I really do try to obtain objective material concerning all issues. It is very difficult to do that in this day and age. I am hit on one side from a very liberal, left leaning group and on the other by the right wing fanatics. It would be really a great gift if we could stop with the silly names and rude inuendos and exchange facts, opinions and ideas as adults. It could be exciting to try something new for a change.

Answer 2

I do. It is important.

In his book, First and Second Things, C.S. Lewis, one of the greatest writers and thinkers says, "...you can only find out the right and wrongs by reasoning - never by being rude about your opponent's phsychology."

In this modern Age Of Information, knowledge is power. There is more "knowledge" to be grabbed at every turn but, even as knowledge is power, knowledge is not wisdom. There seems to be a wholesale trading in of wisdom for knowledge and it's subsequent power.

One can however, not fail to notice that, we are no longer "holistic" learners. By holistic I do not mean to imply mystical knowledge but "the whole" of knowledge - a fullness of knowledge if you will.

Knowledge in our age has become, like almost everything else, disposable. It is to be used for a singular purpose and, when that purpose has been fulfilled, the knowledge is discarded. We no longer approach knowledge with the aim of finding a solution to a problem, we merely select the knowledge we need and ignore the rest. Thus, when discussing an issue, and more specifically politics, the only aim of knowledge and facts is to debunk the opposing sides' knowledge or facts - it is no longer about considering ALL the facts at hand and then coming to a conclusion based on reason and logic.

There is a lack of critical reasoning evident devoid of emotion. No longer are opposing views being seen as two different ways to reach the same outcome. Each side views the other in the paradigm of "they are evil, we are good".

That is wrong regardless of how strongly you feel.

Answer 3

I don't rely on other peoples "view points" very much unless I have a lot of respect for them.

It is much better to seek out the facts and make up your own mind.

I have to chuckle at times when I see an answer backed up ( with 'proof') from a web site or blog with names like:

www.republican_crap.com or

www.inbred_democrats.com

People too easily confuse facts with opinions - and too easily except other peoples conclusions when they they do find the real facts.
Think for yourself - use your own experiences to form your own conclusions.

Answer 4

I am a liberal and I get information from many sources.

One source is Sean Hannity.

I totally disagree with him but I listen because as you said it's wise to know as many points of view as possible.

Answer 5

Being a true liberal, I rely on several sources before I make up my mind on an issue. Unfortunately, most take what they hear on FOX and turn it into their opinion.

Answer 6

I make up my mind based on all forms of items. I am a fence sitter, who leans right most of the time..

Answer 7

My convictions are true. Why negotiate with the Devil ??

Answer 8

I do, but the liberal left is so bad and they never have any facts to back up their bogus claims it is hard to be fair.