Participation in the discussions posted to this site is open to everyone who can and will adhere to one very simple rule. We reserve the right to remove and block the content of anyone who just isn’t “getting it”.
The One Rule is “never treat another merely as a means to an end but always as an end unto themselves.” You can thank Immanuel Kant for this. He called it “the Kingdom of Ends”.
Translation: Posting content with the intent to demean, offend or injure others is treating them merely as a means to an end. The “end” is a need or desire to amuse or aggrandize one’s self at the expense of or without regard to others. Name-calling and hate speech toward anyone or any group of people for any reason will not be tolerated.
Disagreement is integral to the process we seek to facilitate, so be prepared for it. You are entitled to your opinion. By the same token everyone else is entitled to their opinion of your opinion and that’s how vitriolic disagreements get started. Please keep in mind that we are trying to evolve the species here, so what we are really interested in and asking for is your perspective:
If you feel that this is taking the fun out of it, then you aren’t “getting it” and this site may not be for you anyway.
Cogent disagreement ≠ Hate speech or closed-mindedness
What we’re trying to do is get people to REALLY stretch their minds both inward and out. Greater understanding of others is achieved through greater understanding of ourselves. Taking offense is intellectually lazy. Thinking about how or why something makes you feel offended is a wonderful exercise in introspection which (hopefully) will lead to greater understanding of yourself and others, which will lead in turn to a lesser inclination to take offense.
There may be additions and changes as needed from time to time. Just remember to play nice and have fun!