Introduction

Throughout human history, our ability to engage in intellectual dialogue has defined our progress as a species. It is a pursuit requiring intelligence, honesty, and a willingness to seek truth. For me, this is not merely a pastime—it is a cherished art.

Guidelines for Engagement

To maintain meaningful and productive conversations, I adhere to the following principles:

1. Intellectual Fitness: Engage only if you possess the cognitive capacity for high-level dialogue. If intellectual sparring is not your strength, focus on the many other pursuits where your talents shine, perhaps shopping for lottery tickets and cigarettes or watching football.
2. Adherence to Logic: Build your arguments on a foundation of logic and reason. Understand basic concepts like logical fallacies and the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning.
3. Intellectual Integrity: Define your terms clearly, be consistent, and avoid dishonest tactics. For example, if you claim, “Taxation is robbery,” be prepared to explore nuanced definitions of robbery versus extortion.
4. Embrace of Truth: Approach discussions with an open mind. Be willing to admit when you are wrong and celebrate the discovery of better ideas.
5. Scientific Methodology: When applicable, rely on the scientific method as a tool for uncovering truths. It is a proven framework for understanding the world.
6. Foundational Understanding: Before debating specifics, agree on foundational principles. For example, discussing moral questions requires clarity on whether morality is objective or subjective.
7. Mutual Interest: Engage in topics that interest both parties. For instance, while photosynthesis might fascinate others, it does not appear on my “Top 100 Things I Give a Hoot About.”
8. Civility with Purpose: Be polite and respectful, but do not shy away from witty or pointed remarks when they add depth to the discussion. Avoid unnecessary cruelty or tired clichés.

Participation Agreements

To foster a productive space for debate, participants must adhere to these additional rules:

• No name-calling or personal attacks.
• Prefer voice or video chat over text to enhance clarity.
• Avoid trolling or insincere engagement. Be earnest.
• Limit debates to two participants at a time to maintain focus.
• Speak or type concisely, breaking for replies.
• Do not interrupt, filibuster, or dominate the conversation. Use clarifications sparingly.
• Seek truth over “winning” the argument.
• Avoid memes or reaction gifs during debates.
• Reserve this space for debates only. Casual conversations should take place elsewhere.

How to Access the Forum

To participate, read these rules thoroughly. On Discord, react to the rules post in the “welcome-rules” channel to indicate agreement. If you lose access due to rule violations, reread the rules and contact an admin. Severe or repeated violations may result in a ban.

Foundational Definitions

These premises are the bedrock of all discussions here. Consider these points settled unless otherwise specified:

• Truth: That which is logically consistent and aligned with evidence.
• Logic: Rules derived from the consistency of reality.
• True: A position that is both logically valid and factually accurate.
• A = A: Reality is objective and consistent.
• We exist. Our senses can be accurate. Language has meaning.

Stay near the top of Graham’s Hierarchy of Disagreement, and you will thrive here.