The Debates Forum (discussion): Philosophy Forums

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The Debates Forum (discussion)

Interlocutor
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Posted 04/13/04 - 03:08 PM:	#1
Welcome, everyone, to the new Debates and Debates Discussion forums. Paul has chosen me to moderate this forum. Its design if of my making and with his approval. If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, feel free do PM me or post it below. I am hopeful that this forum will generate much interest, and will be a positive thing on the Philosophy Forums. Please, before doing anything else, read the Debates Forum Parameters. The first debates should be going soon. Interlocutor Edited by dreamweaver on 05/19/05 - 01:58 PM. Reason: fixed link

GreenFleshyFlower
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Posted 04/13/04 - 05:35 PM:	#2
Interlocutor: I don't understand what you mean by the burden of proof being the onus of both participants. Do you not think that this will cause arguments as to the person who should prove his/her statements? I think that perhaps you should, after making clear that both debaters must prove their statements (I think that's what you meant) say that the burden of proof lies with he who claims the positive (The man who says "God exists," with an intention to make another believe that He exists must prove it rather than the man who says, "God does not exist.") If you have reason not to include this rule, please ignore me.

Paul
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Posted 04/13/04 - 05:44 PM:	#3
The burden of proof does not lie with only one person... both people must defend their point. Placing the burden of proof on the one who says god exists is, in my opinion, just a pseudophilosophical attempt to avoid the obligation to argue for your own position. It's not valid to say that X doesn't exist until you prove it does, as a general rule. If I say that Earth exists, that does not mean the Earth doesn't exist until I prove it. Anyhow we've got a long thread on that subject: http://forums.philosophyforums.com/showthread.php?t=7110 (As Gassendi points out, yes, the burden of higher evidence lies with the person making the more absurd claim.)

GreenFleshyFlower
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Posted 04/13/04 - 05:51 PM:	#4
Okay, thank you Paul. I knew it was a guideline, and I know that both people must defend their claim (that's the point of a debate forum, right?) but I was only asking so that we could avoid people saying, "Well he doesn't have any proof God DOESN'T exist so I win." Even though I doubt that will happen, since people must ask to debate in this forum. I think Gassendi's way is a better way.

Paul
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Posted 04/13/04 - 05:55 PM:	#5
Well, I don't believe there's such a thing as proof in these debates. Burden of evidence and argument might be better wording. I assume that's what Interlocutor means by it anyhow.

Interlocutor
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Posted 04/13/04 - 06:47 PM:	#6
Perhaps "burden of proof" is somewhat misleading. It is, as Paul suggests, more a matter of evidence and argument. I think saying that the onus is on all participants is an attempt to prevent exactly what you're concerned about, GreenFleshyFlower.

filter
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Posted 04/13/04 - 08:07 PM:	#7
Seems pretty thorough - hats off to you Interlocutor. I look forward to the official opening debate! f
The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. - Henry David Thoreau

Interlocutor
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Posted 04/13/04 - 09:08 PM:	#8
Thanks. I'm sure the forum will have some growing pains, but I am hopeful that it will do well.

ashingular
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Posted 04/13/04 - 11:48 PM:	#9
Three cheers for the new forums! Interlocutor, great job on outlining the specifics here - looks like every angle has been covered. Looking forward to the first round of debates.

GreenFleshyFlower
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Posted 04/14/04 - 07:35 AM:	#10
Same here. I'll be glad to read some debates not interspersed with Insane Clown Posse references or crazy drug-addled pseudophilosophies.

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