Hibernal_dream,
I agree with your last statement, but not its target. The institution of "critique" is often little more than "structured nitpicking". However, fundamental critique is much, much more.
I don't engage in critique as an end, it is often a distasteful pursuit (and can feel like a waste of time because it is always furnished for another- the ideas are already held by the thinker). But, the fact of the matter is that most people, and this certainly holds for UM, are so catastrophically off the mark that dialogue cannot be achieved- their thinking is grounded on, and enframed by, entirely contrived and flawed "cultural" notions. This is not a matter of them holding a different "opinion" than myself, but their inability to think. So, until they take up the task of thinking (which is no mere cognizing) they will be subject to an immanent critique.
Armageddon's Child was correct when he said that one cannot even engage with such people. I agree with you Hibernal that this does not look like an "exchange" but domination- can it be otherwise when one party cannot contribute anything to the other?
So, I try to limit my online entanglements, and keep my serious concerns within "philosophical" channels where they will receive thoughtful attention. Sometimes I will break from this, as in this thread- especially when persons ask for my stance on the matter, as Mumblefood has done here. Other times it is purely selfish (a way to write out a thought, to fish for results, to try out a different tone of communication, etc.) and even trollish (although this is increasingly rare, as it is no longer "cute" to me).
The point is not to merely beat people over the head with "correct propositions", but to point to a transformation of thinking that would allow us to engage and enter into fruitful dialogue. Fundamental critique is merely the first deconstructive step- which, unfortunately, is rarely heeded, let alone overcome.
I knew it. I meant it in a negative tone, fyi. I used to frequent that forum as philosophy interests me, but I prefer discussions that actually include thought and civil response, rather than pretentious position bashing.
