Are Internet discussion forums the answer?

[coberst]

Are Internet discussion forums the answer?

When asked about the origin of consciousness it appears to be conventional wisdom to respond, “Language did it”.

“I believe it is legitimate to take the phrase “I know” and deduce from it the presence of a nonverbal image of knowing centered on the self that precedes and motivates that verbal phrase…The idea that self and consciousness would emerge after language, and would be a direct construction of language, is not likely to be correct.”

Our sluggish ability to adapt quickly to changes in our environment severely endangers the longevity of the human species: it takes generations for new human science theories to migrate into mass common sense comprehension.

Internet discussion forums are the answer.

What is the question?

How can we dramatically enhance the speed of the social osmosis of new human science theories?

Quotes from The Feeling of What Happens by Antonio Damasio

 

[Notedstrangeperson]

Despite the fact I've been posting on CF more often (I know, I'm a hypocrite) - I assure you internet forums are complete rubbish. Complete and utter rubbish. Far from encouraging intelligent new thoughts and ideas they actually do the opposite. At best they are mildly interesting and entertaining, but that's it.

If we wish to experience and discuss life, we should turn off the computer.

 

[Suggestion Box]

yeah the problem with forums is there's no way to verify what people say without extensive research or experience - then it's the research doing the talking, not the forum.

 

[The Nihilist]

I think internet discussion is the answer if the question is "Where can I get a crazy person to [wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth][wash my mouth] me off at 3 am?"


not y'all, of course

Huh, didn't know I couldn't say that

 

[Barky]

Most of the time internet discussions unravel into people throwing statistics at each other and flaming. It all becomes pointless really. There have been some very interesting and thoughtful threads I've been apart of over the years, but most of them go no where.

 

[Danhalen]

Is spamming the hell out of internet forums with your half crocked and unoriginal ideas the answer?

 

[RichardT]

I disagree with all of you. I believe that internet discussion boards, as long as they are open, are great ways to transmit new and powerful memes. The false memes will be shown to be false by forum members with the conviction to stand by reality and to source their facts.