Quick question about playing Devil's Advocate

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1

I have a vague rememberance that the board frowns on posters taking a devil’s advocate position in debates. I can’t find a specific ruling, but…

As long as I’m up front about it, (no “Oh, I was just taking that position as part my grand psychological experiment” type crap four pages in) is it ok?

The specific instance is that on a Free Will vs Omniscient Creator debate that started to hijack a GD thread. I’m interested in the topic, but don’t much care about the outcome. I’d like to hear other points of view, and I’m interested enough to try to argue one side of it.

Is this an issue/problem?

Fenris

2

I would hope not. For a good conclusion it is sometimes necessary for somebody to take a devils advocate stance. Especially if the debate turns into a sermon to the Choir.

Of course there are those that would take it too far, so I could understand if it were not accepted. It could be a thin line between a troll and a devils advocate.

3

As long as you state your intentions clearly, I see nothing wrong with it - provided you still observe all board rules, of course.

4

Oh, I don’t know about that, Coldy. If I want to argue beliefs I don’t necessarily hold, that should be my prerogative, no?

As long as I’m following the rules, I don’t see how it’s necessary for me to preface every post with “I really don’t believe this.”

5

As long as you make it clear that you’re genuinely trying to invite discussion and debate and not just being a mindless troll about something, stirring the pot for the sake of getting people all agitated, that’s the difference.

We do not appreciate the game of “let’s you and him fight” on the SDMB.

Hope this clears it up for you.

your humble TubaDiva
Administrator