2 thoughts on “Greg Koukl on Tactics and Social Media”
Very helpful video. It’s just reminding of the basics, mostly, but those are the things you need to keep in the forefront of your mind when you are debating people. I only disagree with him on one minor point, where he says that the “steamroller” does not apply in a social media context. It most certainly does!
Have you ever been in a chat room or discussion page with atheists and before long, you find yourself having to handle an onslaught of questions and attacks from up to 4 or five of them at a time on your own? If so, you’ve been steamrolled, and you know it’s not a barrel full of laughs when it happens.
How to defend? I have not read the tactics book, and after watching this video, I’m interested in getting it. So I don’t know how the author answers this question, but here’s what I do. You have to single them out, take on one person at a time, and one point at a time. Keep the discussion focused on one thing, and don’t let them change the topic. When they do, you call them out on it and point out that they are not only being unfair, but illogical, and intellectually lazy. The ones who can’t handle that will be forced to leave the discussion, and the ones who can will be more apt to carry on a fair-minded, civil discussion, which can be very edifying for both of you. If all else fails, go make yourself a sandwich, because that would probably be a better use of your time.
I highly recommend the Tactics book. I have read it twice and plan to read it again. While he does not touch on chat rooms, the principles in the book will help you in any situation.
Very helpful video. It’s just reminding of the basics, mostly, but those are the things you need to keep in the forefront of your mind when you are debating people. I only disagree with him on one minor point, where he says that the “steamroller” does not apply in a social media context. It most certainly does!
Have you ever been in a chat room or discussion page with atheists and before long, you find yourself having to handle an onslaught of questions and attacks from up to 4 or five of them at a time on your own? If so, you’ve been steamrolled, and you know it’s not a barrel full of laughs when it happens.
How to defend? I have not read the tactics book, and after watching this video, I’m interested in getting it. So I don’t know how the author answers this question, but here’s what I do. You have to single them out, take on one person at a time, and one point at a time. Keep the discussion focused on one thing, and don’t let them change the topic. When they do, you call them out on it and point out that they are not only being unfair, but illogical, and intellectually lazy. The ones who can’t handle that will be forced to leave the discussion, and the ones who can will be more apt to carry on a fair-minded, civil discussion, which can be very edifying for both of you. If all else fails, go make yourself a sandwich, because that would probably be a better use of your time.
Thanks for the post!
I highly recommend the Tactics book. I have read it twice and plan to read it again. While he does not touch on chat rooms, the principles in the book will help you in any situation.