The right to irresponsible speech. (moral, church, moral, gathering)

[Jayhawker Soule]

We live in an amazing time. Books are readily available, and the internet provides ready access to a wealth of information. And yet, with all this newfound wealth, it is remarkably common to see people enthusiastically promote opinions on topics about which they remain steadfastedly uninformed.

No one doubts the right to irresponsible speech, but the underlying communication is clear: 'As far as I'm concerned, this topic does not warrant the effort involved in even the most modest inquiry'. I suspect that this speaks more to the value of the opinion than the value of the topic.

Never must the church tire of reminding men that they have a moral responsibility to be intelligent. [MLK]

[Ozzie]

Originally Posted by Jay

We live in an amazing time. Books are readily available, and the internet provides ready access to a wealth of information. And yet, with all this newfound wealth, it is remarkably common to see people enthusiastically promote opinions on topics about which they remain steadfastedly uninformed.

No one doubts the right to irresponsible speech, but the underlying communication is clear: 'As far as I'm concerned, this topic does not warrant the effort involved in even the most modest inquiry'. I suspect that this speaks more to the value of the opinion than the value of the topic.

Never must the church tire of reminding men that they have a moral responsibility to be intelligent. [MLK]

Does "responsible speech" require a footnote? Is speaking one' mind ever responsible? How so?

[YmirGF]

Originally Posted by Jay

...it is remarkably common to see people enthusiastically promote opinions on topics about which they remain steadfastedly uninformed.

... and yet, we are expected to be respectful of that steadfastly uninformed opinion. I would rather expect that the respect should be scaled to the level of accuracy involved.

Originally Posted by Jay

I suspect that this speaks more to the value of the opinion than the value of the topic.

It is always somewhat stunning when one runs into those who never seem to never let facts inhibit their thinking. Why is it reasoable to blather on and on about the nature of pixie dust rather than present an assembled audience with glittering handfuls of said pixie dust?

[Bathsheba]

Originally Posted by Jay

We live in an amazing time. Books are readily available, and the internet provides ready access to a wealth of information. And yet, with all this newfound wealth, it is remarkably common to see people enthusiastically promote opinions on topics about which they remain steadfastedly uninformed.

No one doubts the right to irresponsible speech, but the underlying communication is clear: 'As far as I'm concerned, this topic does not warrant the effort involved in even the most modest inquiry'. I suspect that this speaks more to the value of the opinion than the value of the topic.

Hey Jay, dig the mini-rant - confirmation bias blows, I get it. I want to recommend a book that will give you a more nuanced view of what you are encountering. Amazon.com: The Thinker's Toolkit: 14 Powerful Techniques for Problem Solving: Books: Morgan D. Jones Even if you just read the comments, it should expand on your limited conclusion.

[Terrywoodenpic]

Most people live their lives very happily with out gathering too many facts.

You chose a girlfriend or wife on physical attraction.
A car on its street cred.
a house on its district.
school and college subjects on what you find easiest.
a Job or career on the first good offer.

Why should what we write on a forum be any different?

[Bathsheba]

Originally Posted by Terrywoodenpic

Most people live their lives very happily with out gathering too many facts.

You chose a girlfriend or wife on physical attraction.
A car on its street cred.
a house on its district.
school and college subjects on what you find easiest.
a Job or career on the first good offer.

Why should what we write on a forum be any different?

Great point Terry, it really shouldn't be surprising when we take common behaviors into consideration.

[Buttercup]

Originally Posted by Jay

No one doubts the right to irresponsible speech, but the underlying communication is clear: 'As far as I'm concerned, this topic does not warrant the effort involved in even the most modest inquiry'. I suspect that this speaks more to the value of the opinion than the value of the topic.

If your comments are regarding a person stating an erroneous point as fact, perhaps they didn't feel the need to investigate because somehow they 'learned' that tidbit from a supposedly reliable source and assumed it's truth....happens all the time.

Now, if you're making that comment because people argue repeated false/limited information after being told they're wrong, that is dumb.

Surely you don't expect people to know everything? Could you explain your complaint further?

[Reverend Rick]

Rosie O Donald and Rush Limbaugh come to mind.