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Originally Posted by drkpower  If you really respected an idea you would, of course, hold that that idea is good in all situations
What an unusual theory. Have you thought this through properly? Respecting an idea does not mean you should "hold it to be good in all situations" or include it as the basis of government policy.
One example of many: I respect the view that co-location is an answer to the lack of capacity in the health system. I dont agree with that view though. And if I were in Government it would not form part of my healthcare policy. |
I'll rephrase: we should hold that it is worthy of consideration in all situations. We don't have to abandon the idea when things get "serious".
Anyway, your position is not that we should respect co-location, it is that we should respect ALL ideas, and yet you have also stated that you do not respect Astrology at all when a serious decision is to be made. In fact, you wouldn't even consider it?! You think it is ludicrous to do so! Why? Because it isn't based on reason. Neither is Christianity, and it is equally ludicrous.
Put it seems, for the sake of PC, you wouldn't correct a person who thought so for fear of demeaning them? Why? It's just a debate, the same as a debate on co-location. Why aren't you afraid of demeaning people who propose co-location?
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Yes, I gave a few examples of how a secular state might show its respect. I prefaced the examples with the phrase for instance which usually means the list is non-exhaustive. But well done you spotted that one of the examples of respect might also be a matter of free speech. Try and engage with the substance rather than trying to score points....
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But it was an instance of respect for the idea of free speech and NOT an instance of respect for all ideas, which was your point. That "instance" shouldn't be on any list, exhaustive or otherwise, as it doesn't really support your idea of "respect" for all ideas.
I'll say it again: if an idea is "respected" by the government then it is worthy of serious consideration when a serious decision is to be made by the government. And yet you say that Astrology is not worthy of consideration when a serious decision is to be made. You've also stated that an idea should only be respected if its held by a sufficient amount of people. These views are inconsistent with the thrust of your argument that all beliefs are to be respected by the government.
My view is, and has always been, only ideas which are based on reason and rationality are to be considered by the government and truly respected and considered. That is secularism. Of course, this stop not stop a private citizen expressing a religious view and practicing religion.
However, you should not expect your view to be taken seriously and respected if there is no evidence that you are correct. I don't know why that is such a hard thing for you to accept. I'm simply saying in essence that the Government should strive to be as reasonable as possible.