Reverse Pascal's Wager (NZ variation)

Originally posted by @dj2becker
How would an unbeliever set their biases aside when listening to an argument about the supernatural coming from a believer?

It would simply be part of their task to do so if they were moderating or facilitating a debate. It's an intellectual capacity.

Originally posted by @fmf
It would simply be part of their task to do so if they were moderating or facilitating a debate. It's an intellectual capacity.

I have never seen this happen. Everyone has an axe to grind which they believe is truth.

Originally posted by @eladar
I have never seen this happen. Everyone has an axe to grind which they believe is truth.

It seems like you don't understand what being a moderator or a facilitator of a debate entails. Having "an axe to grind" is not part of the job. Having "an axe to grind" is what the participants in the debate demonstrate, and rightly so. Neutral and unbiased moderation of discourse or debate is commonplace and not particularly difficult. If you have 'never seen it', as you claim, then that would suggest that your experience is severely limited.

Originally posted by @dj2becker
How would an unbeliever set their biases aside when listening to an argument about the supernatural coming from a believer? The setting aside of biases is a myth when dealing with the supernatural.

Oh ye of little faith.

It's easy enough. Do not focus on whether you agree with what the debaters say. Keep them arguing the issue instead of making personal attacks. Give each side equal time to make their case, etc. etc.

This is the same approach used for any debate topic, including the supernatural.

Originally posted by @bigdoggproblem
Oh ye of little faith.

It's easy enough. Do not focus on whether you agree with what the debaters say. Keep them arguing the issue instead of making personal attacks. Give each side equal time to make their case, etc. etc.

This is the same approach used for any debate topic, including the supernatural.

Sayings it’s easy is one thing, actually doing it is another.

Originally posted by @fmf
It would simply be part of their task to do so if they were moderating or facilitating a debate. It's an intellectual capacity.

Would you agree that you are bias on the issue of the supernatural?

Originally posted by @dj2becker
Sayings it’s easy is one thing, actually doing it is another.

Nah. Not buying it. Doing it is easy, too.

Originally posted by @dj2becker
Would you agree that you are bias on the issue of the supernatural?

I think the stuff you claim about the supernatural is incoherent nonsense, sure, and I think you are a complete jerk too, as you know. But there is no reason why you talking nonsense and being a jerk somehow renders me incapable of carrying out the task of a moderator or a facilitator for a debate in which you are involved.

Professionally, I've moderated seminars, panel discussions and debates many times here and I often have quite firm opinions about the issues at stake; but it hasn't affected my ability to carry out the role of moderator though. If, on the other hand, your belief in supernatural things would preclude you from chairing or facilitating a discussion between people with opposing views on the subject in a neutral way, then OK, fair enough. Horses for courses, I suppose.

Originally posted by @dj2becker
Would you agree that you are bias on the issue of the supernatural?

This question has nothing much to do with whether I could moderate a debate between people who believe and don't believe in the supernatural.

Originally posted by @fmf
I think the stuff you claim about the supernatural is incoherent nonsense, sure, and I think you are a complete jerk too, as you know. But there is no reason why you talking nonsense and being a jerk somehow renders me incapable of carrying out the task of a moderator or a facilitator for a debate in which you are involved.

Professionally, I've moderated se ...[text shortened]... sing views on the subject in a neutral way, then OK, fair enough. Horses for courses, I suppose.

So give me the non bias criteria you would use to decide the winner of a debate about the supernatural.

Originally posted by @dj2becker
So give me the non bias criteria you would use to decide the winner of a debate about the supernatural.

A moderator doesn't decide the winner of a debate.

Originally posted by @fmf
A moderator doesn't decide the winner of a debate.

Of what real use are they then?

Originally posted by @dj2becker
Of what real use are they then?

If you genuinely don't know, then you should look it up. I'm not going to explain. It would seem you have been spouting jaundiced nonsense about debate moderators - and the ability of people to assume the role, regardless of their personal views - on this thread while having no idea of what a moderator does.

dj2becker: Sayings it’s easy is one thing, actually doing it is another.

Originally posted by @bigdoggproblem
Nah. Not buying it. Doing it is easy, too.

It would now seem that dj2becker literally had no idea what you were talking about. 😉

Originally posted by @fmf
If you genuinely don't know, then you should look it up. I'm not going to explain. It would seem you have been spouting jaundiced nonsense about debate moderators - and the ability of people to assume the role, regardless of their personal views - on this thread while having no idea of what a moderator does.

It might be a good idea to have you as a moderator, if that prevents you from insulting other posters and derailing the topic of discussion. 😉