2007-05-03 08:05:11 · 9 answers · asked by John S 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
I don't think it's possible to form a good opinion unless you can. Until you see the merits of each argument in its fullness, any decision you make will be made from ignorance and prejudice.
Further, if you know the arguments that others will bring to bear, it allows you to better topple or bolster them, if the need arises. This, in a sense, is the essence of debate... not only rhetoric, but the reason underlying it as well.
Being able to argue all sides of an issue is thus important not only for getting along yourself, but also in getting along with other people.
Peace.
2007-05-03 08:13:12 · answer #1 · answered by Doctor Why 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I find myself seeing both sides of your question.
Will this thesis get you a good job with high pay, simply by selling out your personal values? Well,would you rather agonize over this for a month or two, or someday soon be driving a new Mustang convertible or buying a tasty Rolex?
Many times in the work world you have to prepare reports or do tasks that contradict your "own opinion".
First, are you really old enough to have an "opinion" about anything that will re-form the World's views? Or are you merely spouting off some crap that you saw on MTV or heard Rage Against the Machine (Millionaire Marxists) crying about in an article in Rolling Stone?
If you feel strongly enough about it, quit school. Dedicate your life to your "opinion". Otherwise, just do the stupid report and get it over with. This is all meaningless, and you will forget it by Summer.
Besides, if you weren't wasting time on the Internet, you'd almost be done by now.
2007-05-03 08:28:16 · answer #2 · answered by geeksball 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you care at all about having an informed opinion, yes. A person who can't see the most favourable interpretation of a differing viewpoint, hasn't looked at their own view well enough.
Intellectually, you should be able to do so. Not that your side of the coin isn't more convincing, but showing that your side of the argument can answer (or if necessary change because of) arguments from the other viewpoint.
Peace
2007-05-03 09:46:19 · answer #3 · answered by zingis 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I could, but I love to argue....
There's probably plenty of information on the interenet to give you some pointers on what the pros and cons are of a certain subject or thesis.
Lawyers defend criminals they know are guilty all the time...
It doesnt mean they believe in their client...
It's just that they do the best job they can and find the best route for getting them out of jail.
2007-05-03 08:14:22 · answer #4 · answered by I'm mad, you're mad! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you have to, then yes. When you are debating a subject, you use facts, not opinion to back up your statement. Just do research for the side that you have to defend. Even if you don't agree with it, there will be facts to support it. You'd be surprised. Once you look into it, you may even change your mind!
2007-05-03 08:10:43 · answer #5 · answered by pink longhorn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As an intellectual exercise, absolutely yes.
Personally or professionally, certainly not!
2007-05-03 08:09:07 · answer #6 · answered by The Oracle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure for Pay or class credit,
I do things that contridict all the time like doing it the stupid bosses way.
2007-05-03 08:13:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. "Intelligence is the ability to hold in your mind two diametrically opposing points of view"
2007-05-03 08:10:04 · answer #8 · answered by October 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No.
2007-05-03 10:05:18 · answer #9 · answered by Nels 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋