Oddbean new post about login | logout As it is said, there are always two sides to an argument and although the truth may lie somewhere in the middle it would be intellectually dishonest to take a stand against a point one believes in except in the way of some type of ingenuous exercise. I prefer to read those who are invested in their position. If I want to hear from the other side, then I can do that through another speaker/author.
*disingenuous
I find that it really helps me stress-test my beliefs to argue for the other side
Or... you may be schizophrenic lol. I also can hold two sides of a position in my head at the same time if thats what you mean. Take abortion for example. I can agree that the woman has a right to decide, and yet I also see that it is murder of the unborn. Its easier to see both sides when the positions are very much disparate instead of gray and fuzzy.
Yeah, I think holding two sides in your head is a good first step. I find that, for me, new stuff always comes up once I start writing. e.g. in your example, does life begin (murder occur?) at a certain moment or is it more of a continuum? good to articulate your beliefs as specifically as possible to figure out what you specifically believe
You asked, so I'll answer. Life begins at conception. My reasons for this are such. No male feels like a murderer when he wastes semen and no woman cries about lost eggs during menstruation, but after conception it is possible to emote over a loss of that life say after a miscarriage or abortion. OTOH, humans have little problem ending other human life at any stage if it suits them through abortion, murder or war and their conscience will forgive them, which given enough time it always does. As I mature I find that my opinions ossify, so that writing and speaking do not alter them.