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Originally Posted by roachboy
*snip*as for the former, i don't really understand any particular value in this abstract notion of a "golden mean"--i would expect that where you end up in the interpretation of information can and should vary, often quite wildly, depending on the issue, the kind of information you have available, the types of expertise you can bring to bear on it, etc.. add to that the problematic character of source materials, and the requirement that you read critically...and the idea that by assembling a collage of information, you are safest finding a line somewhere down the middle seems...well....pretty self-limiting.
assemble the information, think about the sources, draw on your types of expertise and make your own conclusions. the people who write articles are often not as smart or as informed as those who read them, so why assume their authority--as function of proper names situated in a particular media outlet context--should function as parameters that necessarily have to guide what and how you think?
if you are going to give yourself the freedom to research, to read etc, why would you not also give yourself the freedom to think about what you find, what you collage? sometimes you will be in the middle, sometimes not: who cares?
develop your own arguments and take your own chances with them.
geez, it's not like there will be an exam at the end of the semester on this.
and if you cant dare take chances in a space like this, where can you do it?
anywhere?
ever?*anip*
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I'm not sure if this is directed at my comments, but if so, what in my post contradicts any of this? All I am saying is that, in my mind, experience, observation, what have you, that that truthy feeling most usually resides somewhere in the middle of the two extremes - not always - especially in matters that are pretty much the consequence of personal opinion, most notable for me the social issues of American life. It's not a conscious choice to find an answer in the middle. After all, that would again, simply be using information to conform to a pre-conceived, or desired notion. It is a realization that the concepts of liberalism and conservatism as it pertains to American politics is a shallow and limiting way to view world affairs and a decidedly selfish one at that. Or something like that, lol.
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My beliefs usually end up on the leftish side of issues...but I have learned things from conservative ideology, most esp. neo-conservative views, that reside quite well alongside them and I don't allow knee jerk reactions to limit my conclusions.