> "hacking" topic, I have noticed that people seem to have
> the same strong, unbending opinions re moral issues like

This is the tendancy, yes -- but I don't think it is quite the same.

> that will NEVER EVER change someones beliefs (like

Actually, I think it's important to publicly discuss such things (perhaps
this list isn't the appropriate place, though) because
a) it _does_ change people's opinions on such matters
b) it helps people with conflicting views understand (not necessarily
agree with) other people's views.

For instance, I hadn't taken the time to think about Sony as a collection
of stock holders, but rather a faceless munti-national corporation.  I
still tend to think of them *primarily* as a corporation, but I have
integrated the idea of "real people" into my "large corporation model".  I
have also learned that some people believe that intellectual property is
equivalent to physical property, and I have hopefully caused them to
reconsider this idea.

> doubt it will ever change someones views. So maybe it's
> a waste of time??

Not a waste of time.  It is important that there is dialogue between the
Democrats and the Republicans, for instance.  No, they will likely never
see eye to eye, but through discussions / debates, they may expose some
common ground, or at least understand each others opinions, etc.

> * strong arguments tend to make people dislike each other

Personal jabs and other non-constructive arguments may cause this.  I tend
to respect someone who has opinions and backs them up with reasonable
arguments much better than I do someone who doesn't.


-Steve

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