What, on your view, constitutes a reason to debate issues about which a community has come to a conclusion? Relatedly, on your view, can the question of whether a reason to debate an issue actually exists or not ever actually be settled? That is, shouldn’t the very best, most intellectually open society imaginable on your account continue to debate everything, no matter how settled it seems, because just because none of its members can currently think of a reason to do so is insufficient grounds not to?
I think it’s safe to end a debate when it’s clear to outside observers (these are important) that it’s not going anywhere new. An optimal society listens to outsiders as well.
What, on your view, constitutes a reason to debate issues about which a community has come to a conclusion?
Relatedly, on your view, can the question of whether a reason to debate an issue actually exists or not ever actually be settled? That is, shouldn’t the very best, most intellectually open society imaginable on your account continue to debate everything, no matter how settled it seems, because just because none of its members can currently think of a reason to do so is insufficient grounds not to?
I think it’s safe to end a debate when it’s clear to outside observers (these are important) that it’s not going anywhere new. An optimal society listens to outsiders as well.
OK. Thanks for answering my question.