Daajenai
10-10-2004, 02:39
I find that in debate, many arguments tend to revolve around the definition of certain key terms. Not the debate, mind, but arguments that arise within the debate, and generally degenerate into little more than name-calling. This is, I think, counterproductive. It does not encourage any sort of rational outcome of debate; only hostility between people who otherwise might have the ability to learn something from each other. That is why I debate--not so much to prove myself and my theories correct, as to be challenged, be forced to defend my ideas, and learn more about them.
As such, I propose that this thread be specifically for the definition of certain terms that are central to just about all debate in this forum. Specifically, the words "liberal" and "conservative." These are words that are thrown around all over the place here, and yet it is plain to see that people are working off of different definitions of them; definitions that often contradict the definitions of the one a person is debating with. What I ask, is that you post simply to state your personal definitions of these words. Try to keep them from being inflamnatory and realistic; saying "[insert either word] means a person who hates all liberty, freedom, apple pie, and kills kittens for fun" is not debating. It's flame-baiting. I would like to keep this as flame-free as possible, so that everybody who contributes can actually take something new away from the discussion.
Now, I'll start off with mine.
Liberal--one who places greater importance on issues of social freedom than issues of economic freedom.
Conservative--one who places greater importance on issues of economic freedom than issues of social freedom.
It should be noted that my definitions only necessarily apply to individuals in the United States. I cannot speak for people of other nations and cultures.
As such, I propose that this thread be specifically for the definition of certain terms that are central to just about all debate in this forum. Specifically, the words "liberal" and "conservative." These are words that are thrown around all over the place here, and yet it is plain to see that people are working off of different definitions of them; definitions that often contradict the definitions of the one a person is debating with. What I ask, is that you post simply to state your personal definitions of these words. Try to keep them from being inflamnatory and realistic; saying "[insert either word] means a person who hates all liberty, freedom, apple pie, and kills kittens for fun" is not debating. It's flame-baiting. I would like to keep this as flame-free as possible, so that everybody who contributes can actually take something new away from the discussion.
Now, I'll start off with mine.
Liberal--one who places greater importance on issues of social freedom than issues of economic freedom.
Conservative--one who places greater importance on issues of economic freedom than issues of social freedom.
It should be noted that my definitions only necessarily apply to individuals in the United States. I cannot speak for people of other nations and cultures.