Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

A rational discussion of it does not mean defending it!

As Aristotle apparently said "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."

If we can't even discuss certain topics, if we can't even think things through, then we've entered the realm of thought police.



But if discussion of abhorrent ideas is enough to spread them, is the benefit of that discussion worthwhile?

I ask this in a bit more depth here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14967029


It's obviously difficult to prove any position on this matter, but I definitely think it's worthwhile.

I think the idea that we should suppress mere discussion of certain topics is very dangerous, and could lead society down a very dark path.

Let's not forget that things like interracial marriage, gay marriage and equality for women were once widely considered "abhorrent ideas".




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: