Re: foundations of relational theory?

"Bob Badour" <bbadour_at_golden.net> wrote in message news:kNudnaXpW-cD4geiU-KYgQ_at_golden.net...
>
> "Marshall Spight" <mspight_at_dnai.com> wrote in message
> news:J0omb.23423$HS4.91063_at_attbi_s01...
> >
> > For myself, I find it extremely useful and clarifying to debate
> > with people who hold different views than myself. This is
> > the essential reason I'm on Usenet: to learn through exposure
> > to new ideas, and debates thereon.
>
> Let me know when Dawn or Mike expresses a new idea.

They don't actually need to for the dynamic I described to work. (I misspoke somewhat.) It is enough for them to question the ideas that I already have. The act of defending them clarifies and deepens my understanding. If there are weaknesses, they are exposed; if my understanding is flawed, I find that out and can correct it.

> It's a question of cost and benefit. I suggest you can get the same
> intellectual benefit for much less effort.

The choices I'm aware of are: reading, attending classes, and debate. For whatever reasons, debate works extremely well for me; the other two I find distinctly harder. (Although I do both of them. Well, it's been a few years since my last class.) I think the cost function may vary from person to person. (But if you have any tips on easier ways to learn, believe me: I'm all ears!)

Debate works particularly well for areas where I'm at the intermediate level, which is roughly where I consider myself in relational theory. Areas I'm a beginner at, I mostly try just to ask questions. Areas where I'm expert, (Java programming, say) I don't learn so much from Usenet, but I can contribute back, which has its own rewards. Although answering the same questions eventually gets old.

> However, if you find the exchange
> entertaining or otherwise psychologically rewarding, that may offset the
> added cost.

That's a pretty good description of my situation.

Marshall Received on Sat Oct 25 2003 - 19:29:17 CEST