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A rational discussion of it does not mean defending it! As Aristotle apparently said "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought with
by jamesrcole 9y ago
A rational discussion of it does not mean defending it!
As Aristotle apparently said "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
If we can't even discuss certain topics, if we can't even think things through, then we've entered the realm of thought police.
- nl 9y agoBut if discussion of abhorrent ideas is enough to spread them, is the benefit of that discussion worthwhile? I ask this in a bit more depth here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14967029 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14967029
- jamesrcole 9y agoIt's obviously difficult to prove any position on this matter, but I definitely think it's worthwhile. I think the idea that we should suppress mere discussion of certain topics is very dangerous, and could lead society down a very dark path. Let's not forget that things like interracial marriage, gay marriage and equality for women were once widely considered "abhorrent ideas".