How Much do You Read of the Opposing View?
 

I am just interested. I know a lot of people who only read their point of view, I , however; like to read those views I dislike. Just to know what is on the other side. Do any of you do this?

I was taught about this in school in 9th grade (I think it was 9th grade). We had to do persuasive speeches and mine was that we need to decriminalize drugs and I did look a lot into the oppositional viewpoint and used it as a tool to strengthen my point of view. In any good argument it is essential to consider the other side's point of view: it makes you look more educated about your topic of discussion and gives you a chance to rebut.

it doesn't make you look more educated

it makes you more educated

divas...!

:D

you know what i meant. it's helpful in convincing other people to agree with you.

pretty regularly. i read publications and internet site that span a wide range of perspectives. It's a lot more interesting.

I read progressive/liberal stuff like the Nation, Grist, dailykos; libertarian stuff like Critical Review, Cato, Reason; and even National Review and Daily Standard from time to time.

I read the local paper often, and also check out several national newspapers now and then.

if you really want to be persuasive you must not only know the opposing viewpoint, but understand it - understand where someone else is coming from. It can even help you find common ground, which can evolve into progress.

yes.

ha ha ha ha.

I agree with this entirely, I could never get people who would not bother read the other side.

if you dont read the other side, you wont know anything about them. you will be ill prepared and caught unaware, in other words, know your enemy