1,016

0

24

Aug 31, 2008

1 week ago

5

China

Something to think about; Why should we give reasons for the claims we make? Aren't reasons just opinions, and isn't everyone entitle to his or her own? don't reasons differ from person to person? These are common objections to the giving of reasons and arguments.These objections partially rest on a false set of assumptions about what arguing can do and partially involve poor reasoning.Respecting others and their ideas does not mean that we cannot or should not challenge their ideas and beliefs when we think those ideas and beliefs are wrong or misguided. Through argument we cannot force others to accept our challenges and change their minds. However, we can try to show the weakness of the claims and arguments present and leave it up to each person to decide what he or she will do about the problems in the reasoning. We thereby help others to better understand their ideas and what those ideas commit them to. some people may change their beliefs. Others may take the critique as a challenge to find better reasons for their positions. We show greater respect for someones ideas by engaging in rational argumentation about those ideas than by simply tolerating whatever the person says. reasoning and using arguments help us examine what we believe and what our beliefs commit us to, help us make better choices about our actions, help us understand the world, and help us interact with others. Reasoning matters in society in general. After all, it is better to base social policy on reason than on an alternative option.