andrel wrote:
>>     The problem with the word rational is that it's typically used with
>> assumptions that are not commonly shared.
>>
> Rational implies that 'ratio' i.e. reasoning was applied. As such the
> use of irrational when applied to the position of another person in a
> discussion is a bit like suggesting that that person did not think
> everything through. Which is of course not a fruitful position to take
> in a discussion. Used like this it probably needs an identifier, yes.
> 
> In this case I don't think that is what somebody was meaning. I think he
> meant that it is a way of thinking that is completely alien to him. As
> long as he is aware that other positions are possible and that his POV
> is just as alien to others there is no problem. When he thinks that his
> position is the only one that is logical and well though through there
> would be a problem. At least in the sense that he would not be high on
> my list of people to meet IRL. Then again somebody probably very much
> likes his privacy anyway.

	Yes, but now you're making assumptions on why (either of the two)
declared something as irrational.

	As you said, rational implies reasoning. Assumptions were not stated on
the input to the reasoning. Declaring something to be irrational without
knowing those assumptions is faulty.

	If someone is not at all concerned with what happens after his death
(quite understandable), then his position is quite rational, because it
wasn't devoid of reason. If Chambers cares quite a bit about future
generations (also quite understandable), then his position is quite
rational.

	Given the lack of certainty on people's assumptions, and that two
completely opposite viewpoints can be rational, I fail to see the point
of labeling things as rational or irrational. It doesn't add anything of
value to the discussion, and while perhaps not here, is often used more
as an (often faulty) ad hominem.

	Instead of stating whether something is irrational or not, just state
your argument and your assumptions and let people decide the merits of
the argument. As a reader, seeing anyone declare something as irrational
is a waste of space and of my time. I care not whether anyone thinks
others are being rational or not, or whether others think *I'm* being
rational. I care only about whether someone is making a meaningful case.

	(And no, I don't see the validity of using the word "irrational" to
mean the other side is not making a meaningful case - if that's how you
feel, just focus on pointing out the flaws).

-- 
What kind of electricity do they have in Washington? D.C.


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