this post was submitted on 07 Jul 2023
230 points (92.3% liked)
Showerthoughts
29723 readers
1150 users here now
A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. A showerthought should offer a unique perspective on an ordinary part of life.
Rules
- All posts must be showerthoughts
- The entire showerthought must be in the title
- Avoid politics
- NEW RULE as of 5 Nov 2024, trying it out
- Political posts often end up being circle jerks (not offering unique perspective) or enflaming (too much work for mods).
- Try c/politicaldiscussion, volunteer as a mod here, or start your own community.
- Posts must be original/unique
- Adhere to Lemmy's Code of Conduct-----
founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
I don't know. This can lead to completely different topics fast. An example:
You shouldn't vote for XYZ.
Why?
Because he uses Nazi tactics and wants to be a dictator.
Why?
Because people often fall for these tricks and he likes the idea of being all powerful.
Why?
People don't always think things through.
Why?
It costs energy and we try to save that.
Why?
Evolution.
Why?
I think the key is to remember you are trying to discuss opinions/convictions not facts.
When B says something like "C is a nazi", A correctly asks why B believes C is a nazi, not why C is a literal nazi. So when you go down one level, A's next question should be something like "why do you think these are nazi tactics?" and "why are nazi tactics bad?" It really requires both sides to be intellectually honest and curious about someone's actual beliefs, otherwise the technique doesn't work. I also think limiting yourself to just "why" isn't always helpful. Sometimes you need to ask for clarification or the entire conversation becomes a farce.
Remember the goal is to learn something about the other persons views, not to set each other up with rhetorical questions.
Exactly. It's harder than it sounds to ask the right "why".