Posting links is pretentious and worthless
As someone from an academic background in the liberal arts, I am used to backing up my assertions with references. It is not commonly seen as pretentious nor worthless as you say. More it is accepted as expected evidence of knowing of what one speaks.
the capacity to find virtually anything that backs up virtually any belief one may hold.
This maybe true of the Bible but is not necessarily the case in many instances (or if it is, even then some back up sources are of greater quality than others, experts and professionals over partisan amateurs for instance) In fact, some posters take pride in not backing up anything they say, almost as if all they have is echo chamber gossip to go with. Funny that. In this age of 'alternate truths' I think it is even more necessary to show and prove using reliable authorities.
If you wish to edify yourself through reading articles of that sort, that may be a good thing. Post those concepts here for discussion instead of the articles themselves, including a comprehension of the concepts to the extent that you can substantiate the claims with an understanding of the concepts that they are founded on, isn't.
Er, I think you mean the opposite of what you write here lol, i.e. that original thought is to be valued over appeals to authority and cut 'n' pasting.
I agree actually; but substantiation is still the best policy after making claims and assertions, especially those which, typically here, can be hotly disputed. I have had a couple of exchanges recently when my interlocuter has told me he or she 'never' provides sources. Not only does it put them at a disadvantage and even look arrogant, but if I was to follow their examples, the result would be just an exchange of opinions without any sense of reality, and quickly end after those (usually increasingly acrimonious) opinions were exhausted. Witness tv who never offers sources for anything, he just ends with insults, since that is all that is left for him after an exchange of opinions.
I can't believe I have to defend the best practice of proving what one says against the charge of lying lol. Somewhat ironic I think.
such a detractive presence on the forums. Your pretentiousness
Thank you.But pretentiousness is not dishonesty. I don't think a demand for substantiation (and the supply of same) is such a detraction or problem as those who openly insult, or offer offensive racist or sexist views as 'facts' only to be opposed (as it appears you prefer) with more, if liberal opinion. These people need to be shown the daylight not left to bask in the warm glow of their own estimation.
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