Loosedhorse
member
Actually, we are all equal. Some people claim credentials; some people publish where to find their credentials; and some people keep quiet. Some people without "credentials" have a lot of experience in the subject at hand; some folks with a lot of credentials have only a surface knowledge of the specific topic.Everyone is apparently equal, faceless usually, subject to being judged only on what they have to say and how they say it.
It almost gives the impression that we ARE all equal
So, it's (for me) not about who a person is, it's about what he says and how he says it. A guy says, "I'm so-and-so, what I say is right, and there is no discussion," well, that gets a predictable response. Even if he is right--and he may not be. (Disclaimer: this guy is fictional; any resemblence to an actual poster, living or dead, is purely co-incidental.)
A guy who tells you what he thinks, gives you his reason (maybe cites a reference, or relates an experience) and treats you like the equal you are? That person gets another response.
Sure: there are folks who say "This is the way it is" and they are flat wrong. It's tempting to slam them. For me, it's more helpful if responders just state the facts and give a reference...that is something besides "I say so." Even if they are experts.
"The appeal to authority;" it's a verson of an ad hominem argument: believe me because of who I am. Can be a valid technique; but we've all heard politicians claiming to be experts on gun control, and celebrities claiming to be experts on foreign policy. Some of us have even heard experts over-state their findings, claiming things their data doesn't support; or heard them comment erroneously on a topic that, while in their field, isn't within their specific expertise.
I don't think I'm unique: I'm considered an expert by some in certain subjects. Yet, most times when I get into discussions with folks who know "nothing" about those subjects, I can still find occasion to say: "That's a good question," or "That's an insightful comment"...
Or "I don't know."
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