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Wouldn't you want to know if a drug study was sponsored by its manufacturer before believing it? That is not the same thing. I assume someone is not sponsored
by Yetanfou 10y ago
Wouldn't you want to know if a drug study was sponsored by its manufacturer before believing it?
That is not the same thing. I assume someone is not sponsored by a manufacturer unless such a sponsorship is explicitly stated. I also expect someone who is in fact sponsored by a manufacturer to state this explicitly as that would be relevant in the interpretation of that person's claims which, in the context of drug studies, can be judged objectively. In the context of a political or societal discussion it is much harder to be objective as those fields are largely subjective - there generally is no absolute truth. Seen in that light it is hardly relevant whether a person supports this or that party, policy or politician when discussing claims about their merits as other participants in the discussion can make up their own minds on the subject regardless of what the claimant thinks about them. I'd go on step further and claim that the discussion would actually improve when such disclaimers are left out as it would reduce the influence of group think and open up the possibility to discuss matters which fall outside of the comfort zone without needing to excuse oneself for even mentioning the subject. This would only work in a place where the discourse is generally polite and thoughtful, HN being an example of such.
- mercer 10y ago> This would only work in a place where the discourse is generally polite and thoughtful, HN being an example of such. Sadly, I'd say the fact that every other commenter seems to go out of their way to point out that they're not a Trump supporter, and the fact that I feel the need to do so myself, is evidence enough that HN is not polite and thoughtful enough when it comes to this issue. And honestly I wouldn't expect that from HN, even though I do feel this is still a place where there is relatively more politeness and thoughtfulness.
- linkregister 10y agoI haven't seen anyone being attacked over admitting to supporting President-elect Trump, but I have seen a few hyperbolic posts from both sides being downvoted. The debate in the comments was lively and both sides were represented over the Sam Altman post defending his decision to keep Peter Thiel at YCombinator.
- linkregister 10y agoI can pursue an agenda while being both polite and thoughtful. If I were to ask a series of questions, using the Socratic Method, you would absolutely want to know what my motive was before misspeaking and harming your position. Commenters on HN post both to persuade other commenters and to expose their own opinions to scrutiny by the community. I attempt to persuade and be persuaded by other HN commenters. It is useful to add disclaimers so other commenters can see if I have an agenda. Often I do, and it's useful to disclose that so suspicion is suspended and discourse can continue.