On respecting others opinion.

[Rageaholic]

Common equitique says that when someone else has a differing opinion than you, you should respect their opinion. Here's the thing, there are obviously some times when an opposing viewpoint is actually wrong. Either the opooent is ignorant of something, they rely on logical fallacies, or they just won't realize the harm their views cause.

I'm mostly talking about fundies here (been on FSTDT a little too much lately), but it could apply to anyone with a view that's not compatible in a civilized world. A good example, discipline. There are many people who think that it's okay to beat your kids when they mess up. There are also those who think extreme emotional abuse is acceptable just to make their kids shine academically. These are views that I cannot respect and actually think less of people who share them. Their views are not equal (especially with all the research proving the harm of such practices) and I just can't say "well that's your opinion and that's fine" when actually practicing such discipline can cause harm.

I guess what I'm saying is that I'm fine if someone simply has another view on something that doesn't really affect others. Like if they think Apple is better than Dell, I won't hold it against them. If they hate action movies and prefer arthouse, cool (though I probably won't be seeing many movies with them). I can even accept certain religious and political views providing there's good reasoning behind them and realizing that I'm not an expert here. HOWEVER, when their views will affect other people, especially if they can't defend their views, I see no reason why they should be respected as just another view. Especially if they actually act on their views.

[Ghel]

I mostly agree. I don't have to respect anyone's opinion, but I do have to respect their right to express it. Depending on the situation, I may express my own, differing, opinion. And, if they're actively harming someone else based on their opinion, I will most likely act to stop them.

[Andara Bledin]

I don't think any opinions have any base or inherent right to be respected.

We should respect others' right to hold an opinion, no matter how flawed we find that opinion to be.

That doesn't mean that we have to respect the holders of said opinion, either.

^-.-^

[HYHYBT]

Well, it depends... often the sort of "respect" meant is not real respect, but simple manners. There are very few situations where it is necessary to be rude, and not all that many more where it's helpful, however little someone's views are worth.

[Talon]

Opinions worthy of respect are founded on facts, not fallacies.

[jackfaire]

Well, it depends... often the sort of "respect" meant is not real respect, but simple manners. There are very few situations where it is necessary to be rude, and not all that many more where it's helpful, however little someone's views are worth.

Which is a double edged sword. When your a kid growing up respecting others views means letting them used them in interaction with you.

If your teachers and counselor believe bullying is just kids being kids it doesn't matter how many times you complain they will want to know what is wrong with you and why your so maladjusted that you can't laugh with the kid after being bullied.

[Fire_on_High]

If you make a big deal over it it indicates to the kid there's a big deal, whereas if the parent sides with the "laugh it off" brigade then it makes the kid simply blame themself and saves anyone else from having to lift a finger, right or wrong.

Make of that what you will....

[Panacea]

Opinions worthy of respect are founded on facts, not fallacies.

Quoted for Truth.

Respecting the opinions of others is a broad generalization that should not be treated as an absolute.

To do so would me I have to respect the opinion of a man who thinks it's OK to have sex with little boys. I don't respect such opinions.

I can't remember the exact phrasing, but Heinlein once wrote that it doesn't matter how much someone believes in something, stupid is stupid and belief doesn't make it smart.

[Mytical]

Here is my problem with this. Inherently opinions are not backed by facts, that is why they are opinions. So if you do not respect any opinions not base on facts, then when do you respect opinions? If somebody says "I think that the world is flat." They are not expressing an opinion, but what they believe to be fact. Red is a better color then blue is an opinion. I guess I am just not understanding, what opinions are you talking about? Religion? Again not an opinion..the people who believe in that religion believe it to be fact. They do not have to prove anything, as that is what faith is about. Believing something to be true without evidence.

So I guess I need a pm as to what opinion is not based on fact, because I am confused.

Ah..rereading I think I understand. Remember that there is a difference between abuse and discipline. People might disagree on discipline, and I guess that is a difference of opinion..but discipline does have facts to back it up. After all, it worked decently well for hundreds of years. Pretty good scientific research there (testing it for hundreds of years that is). Abuse, however, we are pretty much aware it is a bad thing. However, I do not think abuse is an 'opinion'. It is a 'fact' for those people. It was how they were raised, it worked for them..ergo it works for others. Your facts might not agree with this, but it is not a matter of differing opinions..it is a matter of what each person perceives as fact..though it is a difference of opinion on what constitutes abuse.

[Rageaholic]

Ah..rereading I think I understand. Remember that there is a difference between abuse and discipline. People might disagree on discipline, and I guess that is a difference of opinion..but discipline does have facts to back it up. After all, it worked decently well for hundreds of years. Pretty good scientific research there (testing it for hundreds of years that is). Abuse, however, we are pretty much aware it is a bad thing. However, I do not think abuse is an 'opinion'. It is a 'fact' for those people. It was how they were raised, it worked for them..ergo it works for others. Your facts might not agree with this, but it is not a matter of differing opinions..it is a matter of what each person perceives as fact..though it is a difference of opinion on what constitutes abuse.

Replace "opinion" with "view" and you got it.

After going on sites like TVtropes where they have the rule of cautious ediiting judgment, I am surprised that there are some issues that even need to be debated. Back to the abuse, I can't believe the amount of people who think "beat your kids" is an acceptable answer. I CANNOT respect their opinion and think less of those who share that view. To me, it's not a matter of "my view vs their view", but a matter of "their view is barbaric and sadistic, god help anyone they rule over".

There are a lot of opinions I can respect (like favorite political candidate). Even though I don't like those candidates, I realize that I may be misinformed about them or that they just have a different idea than I do. Isn't that what politics is? Two parties with different ideas on how to help the world? I'm not gonna hold it against someone if they think Michelle Bachman would make a good president. However, if they have views that are blatantly dangerous, like "beat your kids", "gays are evil", or "kill adulterers", then I will run far far away from them.

[Mytical]

Makes much more sense now. *nods* Like the view that one race or sex is inferior to another somehow.

Sorry just got caught up in the terminology (not on purpose). An opinion is something that is not based on fact..so I was cornfused