Hard discussion without causing offence

[Guest guest]

Hi All, & Z'ev

 

> We have a responsibility to air informed opinions, not just any

> idea that misrepresents the actual subject at hand. Why shouldn't

> anyone disagree with an opinion and challenge it, if it seems out

> in left field?

 

Right on, Z'ev! It is permissible to attack an argument vehemently,

even to the point of demolishing it.

 

But it is not acceptable to attack the person, or his/her integrity.

" Ad Hominem " attacks also include attempts to denigrate the

professional status / education of the person.

 

On civilised lists, that constitutes " flaming " . Most ListMasters

expel persistent " flamers " if only to maintain reasonable courtesy

and peace on the List. Some expel a " flamer " on his/her first

offence.

 

We are professionals, and should be able to discuss / argue and

learn from each other without causing offence.

 

 

 

Best regards,

 

Email: <

 

WORK : Teagasc Research Management, Sandymount Ave., Dublin 4, Ireland

Mobile: 353-; [in the Republic: 0]

 

HOME : 1 Esker Lawns, Lucan, Dublin, Ireland

Tel : 353-; [in the Republic: 0]

WWW : http://homepage.eircom.net/~progers/searchap.htm

 

Chinese Proverb: " Man who says it can't be done, should not interrupt man doing

it "

[Guest guest]

Phil,

Asking someone what their training and background in the profesion being

discussed is not a flame.

Noting that someone has been less than forthcoming or less than honest in

representing their training and knowledge base is also not a flame.

or if these are flames perhaps your entire Profesional Ac listserve is guilty of

flaming since you question exactly these things before allowing someone on your

list.

 

Doc

 

< wrote:

But it is not acceptable to attack the person, or his/her integrity.

" Ad Hominem " attacks also include attempts to denigrate the

professional status / education of the person.

[Guest guest]

Phil,

 

I am I one of these flamers? If so feel free to contact the moderator

and recommended your wish that I be expelled.

 

Unitl then, someone who claims by act or omission to HAVE professional

status/education when they do not have such a thing will be called out.

They bring " attacks " on themselves by misrepresenting my/our

profession.

 

Perhaps my arguments lack some of the politically correct subtleties

some list members would prefer to see. I lean towards the straight-talk

side of things; as opposed to " passive-aggressive " stances, return

criticisms cloaked in sarcasm and statements of " what they will not say

in return " which are just the cowards way of making a

critisism/statment. Tangent running, or context changing to hold

misrepresentations of my stance will also be replied to strongly.

 

I do feel concerned if I have offended you Phil; for I respect you, all

your posts and what face you present to our profession. Perhaps it is

best I am hidden behind a computer and not part of the " political'

correctness that resembles the age of love without any of the actual

love.

 

Best Wishes,

 

Steve

 

 

On 21/09/2004, at 8:34 AM, wrote:

 

> Hi All, & Z'ev

>

>> We have a responsibility to air informed opinions, not just any

>> idea that misrepresents the actual subject at hand. Why shouldn't

>> anyone disagree with an opinion and challenge it, if it seems out

>> in left field?

>

> Right on, Z'ev! It is permissible to attack an argument vehemently,

> even to the point of demolishing it.

>

> But it is not acceptable to attack the person, or his/her integrity.

> " Ad Hominem " attacks also include attempts to denigrate the

> professional status / education of the person.

>

> On civilised lists, that constitutes " flaming " . Most ListMasters

> expel persistent " flamers " if only to maintain reasonable courtesy

> and peace on the List. Some expel a " flamer " on his/her first

> offence.

>

> We are professionals, and should be able to discuss / argue and

> learn from each other without causing offence.

>

>

>

> Best regards,

>

> Email: <

>

> WORK : Teagasc Research Management, Sandymount Ave., Dublin 4, Ireland

> Mobile: 353-; [in the Republic: 0]

>

> HOME : 1 Esker Lawns, Lucan, Dublin, Ireland

> Tel : 353-; [in the Republic: 0]

> WWW : http://homepage.eircom.net/~progers/searchap.htm

>

> Chinese Proverb: " Man who says it can't be done, should not interrupt

> man doing it "

>