In my view, discussion forums like these serve their highest function as debate forums where opposing views clash in mortal combat and, ideally, the strongest idea, viewpoint, or meme prevails.
This is an intrinsically adversarial process. It’s used in both legal settings and in scientific circles because it’s the most effective way to arrive at the truth, which is by far my overriding concern. And just as a lawyer is required to defend their client zealously, the process is best served when the participants zealously represent their positions in a debate. To do otherwise would not do justice to the thousands of hours of thought and research that we put into them.
But it’s not personal, and it’s a mistake to take it personally. This article addresses it well:
"Be A Passionate Advocate, But Don’t Take Anything Personally
Have passion for your work, but don't take personal offense when you disagree with your adversary.
by Christine A. Rodriguez
Do not make it personal. It is always a mistake. It is great to have passion for your work and to be a zealous advocate, but to do so does not require you to either express your personal opinions or take personal offense when you disagree with your adversary.”
Be A Passionate Advocate, But Don’t Take Anything Personally
When I oppose an idea I’m only opposing the idea, not the person stating it. And I endeavor to state my argument with verifiable facts and logical reasoning so my adversary and other readers can see the basis of my argument and attack any aspect of it on explicit grounds.
You’re invited to do that at any time; I welcome it because that process performs a service for everyone here who is also looking for the truth. But attacking
the person making the statement instead of
the statement itself is widely regarded as an
ad hominem argument, which is a form of logical fallacy. I haven't done that here, but you have. So are you really in a position to educate me about being more polite?
Let's just zealously debate our ideas and arguments, and leave the personality issues out of it.