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> I see examples of people demanding citations for reasoning that is part of a work, of people just not understanding something, or of only really being able to
by awb 5y ago
> I see examples of people demanding citations for reasoning that is part of a work, of people just not understanding something, or of only really being able to blindly follow based on province or authority without trying to reconcile back to what they know.
That’s a tricky one for me because I see a lot of utility in asking for sources:
a) Curiosity. Maybe I really want to know how this person came to believe what they did even if I’m pretty sure they’re wrong.
b) Challenge. A version of the Socratic Method, helping them learn through questioning their assumptions.
c) Learning. A genuine quest for knowledge, that perhaps might yield more unique or varied results than Google.
d) Depth. Possibly helping others in a public thread (or the author) realize that it might be an epistemically illegible argument requiring greater scrutiny, discussion or evidence.
I get that asking for sources can also be lazy or ill intentioned, but for the most part I don’t mind it.
- adfgadfgaery 5y agoI think you misunderstand OP. The purpose of citations is to prove facts. The argument made based on those facts does not need a citation. Much of the time it isn't fair to ask for citations even for specific facts, but that's a separate problem.
- nextaccountic 5y ago> I think you misunderstand OP. The purpose of citations is to prove facts. Those cases are covered by b) But the person you're replying to pointed out other, non-adversarial reasons to ask for citations (which depending on the tone of the question, may be misinterpreted)