Source vs. Argument

Started by Matthew July 26th, 2012 9:42 AM
  • 452 views
  • 3 replies

Matthew

 

Male
Seen May 30th, 2015
Posted January 3rd, 2015
85 posts
11.3 Years
not sure if this will promote discussion but..

When deciding if some set of statements will convince you of the truth of something, which is more important to you?

  • The source of those statements?
  • The content of those statements, and the "logic" behind the argument they make?
Why?

Esper

California
Seen June 30th, 2018
Posted June 30th, 2018
It seems smartest and safest to go the content/logic route. Of course that means you have to understand the argument in greater detail, and I'll definitely admit to relying on a lot of sources who I generally trust to know what they are talking about when I don't know a lot of details about the subject. I'm thinking things like science and whatnot, things where there are specialists whose job it is to know about that one thing they know about.

But still, overall, content is what will feel more convincing to me because I instinctively distrust anyone who says something is what it is just because they say so.
Male
None of Your Business
Seen April 23rd, 2013
Posted January 13th, 2013
505 posts
11.9 Years
I'd go with logic and common sense arguments. That is especially true when I personally dislike a certain source. I still do think that it should be a balance of both though. Some things...just....don't need a source, they are fixed facts known by any person with a straightforward mind. If we were to speak in a controversial topic, then sources can jump in here with a slight mix of common sense.