[QUOTE="TheBigDrat"]is this one of those studies where the answer is obviously 4 but everyone says 18 and they see how many people say 18 just to fit in with the group?AfterShafter
Ok, I'll give it up. I was interested to see how many people would pick 18, but, that wasn't my purpose. Shad0 did exactly what I was hoping someone would do - gave me the "I respect your opinion, but could you explain it?" Well, think about this response for a second... Some opinions are obviously wrong. Not just obviously wrong, they ARE wrong. Some opinions are not worthy of that whole "I respect your opinion" thing becaues they are simply in error.
If you throw a person that kind of bone unconditionally, they can justify away any inane point as "their opinion" even when it is contrary to facts. The result? A dead debate and no clear answer at the end. If you respect every opinion, you cheapen the respect you have for a sound opinion.
I'd love to see more disprespect for opinions simply because it'll lead to a lot more invigorated debate and a lot more peoples' opinions being shown as just idiotic, and the whole "It's my opinion" as a shabby defence which too many people buy into now.
What do I want? Denounce me. If I'm acting like an idiot? Treat me like one. Don't "respect my opinion" just because. Respect it because it's a good one. Some opinions aren't worthwhile and shouldn't be treated like they are - and if I'm just making specious evasions, point it out. "It's my opinion" is one of the most specious evasions there is in certian contexts.
Oh, and I chose 18 because it made no sense whatsoever. Someone could make a stupid case for 22...
I knew your were wrong. I just didn't feel like throwing people to the floor.
I could have just said "It's 4. You're a ****ing moron" and left it at that, but no, I didn't want to act like a jerk so I asked you to explain how you came up with your answer.
You make a good point though
"It's my opinion" is kind of a defense mechanism to get out of an argument. It's like lying, in a way. Lying is a defense mechanism to get out of tough situations.
"It's my opinion" is kind of like saying "If what I just said sounded like crap to you then don't bother me about it because I know it's true."
It can be used in different situations, but in GS, more often than not, it's just used to avoid further confronation from a person or group of people.
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