Canons of Intellectual Discourse on Social Media

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Certain?“canons of intellectual discourse”?refer to foundational principles or rules that guide thoughtful, constructive, and rigorous discussions, particularly in academic or intellectual settings. These principles ensure that discussions are clear, respectful, and logical, aiming to reach a deeper understanding of truth. Here are some key canons:

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1. ??????? Clarity and Completeness: Ideas and arguments should be clearly expressed, avoiding unnecessary jargon or ambiguity. Clear communication is vital for understanding and constructive dialogue. When interpreting others' arguments, aim to understand their strongest form, avoiding strawman fallacies. This helps foster constructive dialogue and mutual respect.

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2. ??????? Relevance: Contributions to a discussion should be directly related to the topic at hand. Introducing unrelated points can derail a conversation or lead to confusion.

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3. ??????? Evidence: Claims should be supported by sound evidence, whether through empirical data, logical reasoning, or well-established sources. Intellectual discourse values well-substantiated ideas.

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4. ??????? Consistency: Arguments should be logically consistent, avoiding contradictions. Internal coherence within a position is key to maintaining intellectual rigor.

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5. ??????? Respect for Dissent: Different perspectives should be respected and addressed thoughtfully. Intellectual discourse thrives on diverse viewpoints, and engagement with opposing ideas should be civil and reasoned.

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6.???????? Open-mindedness: Participants should be open to having their views challenged and to revising their beliefs when presented with new evidence or better arguments.

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7. ??????? Non-Ad Hominem: Avoid personal attacks. Critique ideas, not the individuals presenting them. Ad hominem arguments detract from productive discussion.

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8. ??????? Logical Structure: Arguments should follow a logical structure, with premises leading to conclusions in a reasoned manner. Fallacies (like hasty generalizations or false dichotomies) should be avoided.

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9.???????? Engagement: Active listening and thoughtful response are essential. Disengaging or ignoring key points weakens the discourse.

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10.?????? Questions to undermine:? Questins to undermine others knowledge can be unethical and may lead to a confrontational and destructibve dialogue, which must be avoided.