The way that "philosophy" is defined is not at all strict, discussions on politics are allowed, discussions on raw logic puzzles are allowed, discussions on religion are allowed...pretty much everything is allowed. — ProtagoranSocratist

I think if the site has a value, it is to encourage critical thinking. Philosophy is not about establishing answers as much as learning how to think about questions. Good answers may be a by-product. But better habits of thought are of general value.

And the more cosmopolitan the thought styles, the more one would have to get out of one’s comfort zone to engage.

So yes to the variety of subject matter allowed. But also yes to even the different ways of arguing that people bring to the table.

It is then up to the mods where to draw a line between creative friction and disruptive or blinkered responses.

Are you just having a bad day, Jamal? Or has this been brewing for some time? :chin: — Outlander

@Harry Hindu has been discussed previously on the mod forum. This was not unexpected by any of the team and has nothing to do with @Jamal's or anyone else's mood.

Anyhow, banning isn't personal. @Harry Hindu, along with others who have been banned, have their good points (and there are members that got banned that I really miss, in fact). I was not a fan of Harry's style and I support the ban, but I wish him the best.

Thank you and others for the support.

If we are not allowed to question the sexual ethics of Western Europe, then we will not question the sexual ethics of Western Europe. But that sort of a rule should be made explicit. I don't see how those who question the sexual ethics of Western Europe can simply be threatened or banned for "abandoning reason." There are lots of people from other regions of the world on TPF. — Leontiskos

Questioning the sexual ethics of Western Europe is one thing; stating that gay people are degenerate and immoral (or that they behave immorally) is something else. Debating sex and gender is one thing; denying the identity or dignity of transgender people is another.

We won't tolerate intolerance. We want to ensure we have a shared foundation of mutual respect and the equal dignity of all participants regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Well, I say we don't tolerate intolerance, but in reality sometimes we do. I am inclined now to be more strict.