Comments on: Taking an idea seriously http://www.uncrediblehallq.net/2009/10/27/taking-an-idea-seriously/ Best blog name ever Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:27:09 -0500 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.2 By: proudfootz http://www.uncrediblehallq.net/2009/10/27/taking-an-idea-seriously/comment-page-1/#comment-5681 proudfootz Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:40:17 +0000 http://www.uncrediblehallq.net/?p=813#comment-5681 I'm tempted at first to think that 'it's important to understand whether and why an idea is right or wrong' if the idea either 'may be credible' or 'has a real impact on society'. OTOH it may be important to understand an idea even if it is incredible or without social impact because it may help us understand *other* ideas which are either credible or socially significant. I agree that Plato's totalitarian leanings are troublesome. But some do seem to be persuaded of it, and certainly many have acted as though we should practice the methods advised by his 'Republic'. I’m tempted at first to think that ‘it’s important to understand whether and why an idea is right or wrong’ if the idea either ‘may be credible’ or ‘has a real impact on society’.

OTOH it may be important to understand an idea even if it is incredible or without social impact because it may help us understand *other* ideas which are either credible or socially significant.

I agree that Plato’s totalitarian leanings are troublesome. But some do seem to be persuaded of it, and certainly many have acted as though we should practice the methods advised by his ‘Republic’.

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