Csmgolf, Chad, and Learsfool - Thanks for your kind words. And thanks for contributing to the effort to "try to have a civilization."
04-22-12: Learsfool
I was quite surprised to therefore read that you don't actually enjoy argument. I assume you mean the combative aspect, and not the argument for argument's sake? Surely you must derive some pleasure from constructing such logical premises and conclusions as you have frequently on this site?
Yes, Learsfool, it's the combative aspect of arguing that I don't enjoy much anymore, though I admit that sometimes my writing suggests otherwise. Since I'm in a strangely confessional mood, I will tell you that, as a younger man, I was a habitual arguer. When I disagreed with you, I was vocal about it, to put it politely. Six years in graduate school learning to analyze, criticize, and construct arguments from some of the world's most argumentative people was exactly what I DIDN'T need. I was turning into a real a**hole.
So I decided to try to develop ways of relating to people that are more cooperative and prosocial. I've been lucky enough to have three good role models. One of them was my dissertation director, who in spite of being a very successful academic philosopher, was one of the most cooperative and prosocial people I've ever met. The second was my first psychotherapist (yes, there have been others), who helped me develop some empathy, both for myself and for others. And the third is my wife, who is a psychologist/psychotherapist herself. She's like the calm dog at the dog park who "corrects" aggressive dogs with nothing more than her body language. Needless to say, I am the aggressive dog.
Some of my aggressive behavior can be seen on this thread. Obviously I'm talking about my argument with Geoff, which I regret for a variety of reasons. I still believe the substantive things I said to Geoff, but I wish I'd adopted a more civil tone at points. That continues to be a struggle for me, especially with certain types of personalities.
And that brings me back to your question, Learsfool. Yes, I enjoy constructing arguments. It may sound odd, but the great majority of the time, I don't intend those arguments to be argumentative. Non-argumentative arguments are an effective way to explore an idea in depth, and I very much enjoy exploring ideas in depth, even when I turn out to be wrong. I'm aware that arguments, argumentative or not, put some people off, so I usually try to soften them with a dose of humility or humor. I haven't displayed a lot of that on this thread, so I will add that to the list of things I regret.
The process of growing up never ends. Or at least it shouldn't.
Bryon
