Why are "some" old people impossible to debate with?

[outhouse]

The issue is when YOU THINK Have superior reasoning skills.

I would claim that when someone says 2 + 2 = 3 I DO HAVE superior skills.

What we have here is a lack of respect for opinions that are different than your own.

What we have is right or wrong, truth or lies.

Why is it that when you can't change a persons mind you feel the need to attack a person because of their age?

Your taking me out of context and I know why.


One of the biggest problems with all humans today, is their lack of ability to communicate effectively with one another. And with age, that problem gets worse.

If a person will not admit that 2 + 2 = 4 then who has the problem? Its way beyond belief Rick. I dont have a problem with freedom of religion and wish you all the luck with your faith.

Just dont go public and tell everyone 3 is the only answer to the eqation.

 

[outhouse]

We do want to be a free society right?

Sure

But do we let educational terrorist run free?

In a free society we all should be allowed to think and reason differently.

And you are.


The problem is, as example. People are not allowed to scream fire and start a stampede that results in death and destruction. Nor scream he has a bomb! on a plane. One cannot aim a gun at a commercial passenger jet.


Again, enjoy your faith. Debate religion. Just dont claim 3 is the answer publically and not expect to get called on it.

 

[CynthiaCypher]

I think the some people find "old people" impossible to debate with is because they have heard their b***s*** before, they just don't find they have time for b***s*** and they know b***s*** artists when they see one.

Chalk it up to experience "old people"! It makes you walking, talking b***s*** detectors.

 

[outhouse]

I think the some people find "old people" impossible to debate with is because they have heard their b***s*** before, they just don't find they have time for b***s*** and they know b***s*** artists when they see one.

Chalk it up to experience "old people"! It makes you walking, talking b***s*** detectors.

Not when 2 + 2 = 3 it makes then stubborn and unable to learn something new.

 

[Debater Slayer]

Not when 2 + 2 = 3 it makes then stubborn and unable to learn something new.

Stubbornness is hardly an exclusive trait of some old people. If you think it is, then I can bet dollars to doughnuts that you haven't tried disagreeing with many young people before.

 

[outhouse]

Stubbornness is hardly an exclusive trait of some old people.

Agreed.

If you think it is, then I can bet dollars to doughnuts that you haven't tried disagreeing with many young people before.

No one is immune to stubborness.

What Im complaining about is a pattern of older elderly people who flat refuse to reason at all.

Those that add up 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 and state it is 3. YEC would be a great example.

A 70 year old YEC is not going to change his belief and will trash education and knowledge no matter how you explain the facts.

 

[YmirGF]

Agreed.



No one is immune to stubborness.

What Im complaining about is a pattern of older elderly people who flat refuse to reason at all.

Those that add up 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 and state it is 3. YEC would be a great example.

A 70 year old YEC is not going to change his belief and will trash education and knowledge no matter how you explain the facts.

This is pretty well my experience and I interact with a lot of people north of 75. Many of them are dear, sweet individuals. Wonderful people, but when you get them talking about things the lack of reasoning can be disheartening. This is especially true when you get them to explain something complex.

The main thing I have come to the conclusion about is that somewhere in the distant past these lovely, charming folks stopped learning. They stopped growing intellectually. Then as their capacity begins to diminish they are really on delicate ground.

Trust me, if you can imagine it, I generally do not argue when them anymore as I see it simply upsets them. As I said before, I have tried to explain certain ideas to the best of my ability, that any rational person could check the details to see what I was saying was more or less correct, only to be flatly told, with a smile. "Oh, but that's just your opinion." DOH! At that point, you just smile and nod knowingly. Let them have the "win" as it's never rewarding bludgeoning folks who cannot take it.

There are a couple of folks I encounter who are still sharp as a tack, however, they are few and far between.

 

[outhouse]

This is pretty well my experience and I interact with a lot of people north of 75. Many of them are dear, sweet individuals. Wonderful people, but when you get them talking about things the lack of reasoning can be disheartening. This is especially true when you get them to explain something complex.

The main thing I have come to the conclusion about is that somewhere in the distant past these lovely, charming folks stopped learning. They stopped growing intellectually. Then as their capacity begins to diminish they are really on delicate ground.

Trust me, if you can imagine it, I generally do not argue when them anymore as I see it simply upsets them. As I said before, I have tried to explain certain ideas to the best of my ability, that any rational person could check the details to see what I was saying was more or less correct, only to be flatly told, with a smile. "Oh, but that's just your opinion." DOH! At that point, you just smile and nod knowingly. Let them have the "win" as it's never rewarding bludgeoning folks who cannot take it.

There are a couple of folks I encounter who are still sharp as a tack, however, they are few and far between.

Frubals

Im involved in a RC helicopter forum, it is old person central. A debate on evolution was useless.

No matter how much kindness and how simple facts were presented, no amount of reason was used.

 

[YmirGF]

Frubals

Im involved in a RC helicopter forum, it is old person central. A debate on evolution was useless.

No matter how much kindness and how simple facts were presented, no amount of reason was used.

I can easily see how that would go.

I meet these folks in real life... so one does have to exercise some restraint.

One thing I have come up with is, "That is a fascinating viewpoint, and one that I've never thought about (seriously *giggle*) before. I'll have to remember that. More tea?"

And yes, I leave out bracketed part, although that is what is happening in my brain.

It's similar here on RF. If only people knew what I was really thinking. The mods would be giving me awards for showing such restraint.

 

[ChristineES]

Agreed.



No one is immune to stubborness.

What Im complaining about is a pattern of older elderly people who flat refuse to reason at all.

Those that add up 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 and state it is 3. YEC would be a great example.

A 70 year old YEC is not going to change his belief and will trash education and knowledge no matter how you explain the facts.

Debate isn't really trying to convince others that you are the one who is right, but as to who has the best argument in a debate. I couldn't force someone to believe that water is wet if the person didn't want to believe that, and I wouldn't even try. It's best to just give the information you believe to be right and leave it at that. Trying to convince people of something is usually fruitless especially if the person has always believed something different.

 

[s2a]

Is it true you cannot teach some old dogs new tricks?


I will say it is very true based on my observations when debating old people.


It really does go beyond reason and rational conversations. The intellect used is completely absurd. Comprehensive skills are out the window.


It is not just this forum, Im involved in many forums and hobbies, and this is ridiculous behaviour in every forum.


Please share your frustration.

I would only ask that you qualify/define your description of "old".

If you have little capacity to appreciate any value of "wisdom" vs. 'knowledge", that is understandable. Unfortunate, but understandable.

Have you some inquiry worthy of "debate" to offer?

 

[Reverend Rick]

I would claim that when someone says 2 + 2 = 3 I DO HAVE superior skills.




What we have is right or wrong, truth or lies.






Your taking me out of context and I know why.


One of the biggest problems with all humans today, is their lack of ability to communicate effectively with one another. And with age, that problem gets worse.

If a person will not admit that 2 + 2 = 4 then who has the problem? Its way beyond belief Rick. I dont have a problem with freedom of religion and wish you all the luck with your faith.

Just dont go public and tell everyone 3 is the only answer to the eqation.

Your example is way over simplified but does demonstrate your binary thinking