Ridicule

Ridicule is the "nuclear weapon" of civilized debate. Used effectively, ridicule can destroy almost any position or statement, regardless of the truth, logic, or correctness of the position or statement, or the truth, logic, or correctness of the ridicule. Ridicule is generally blind to attributes like truth. Due to its overwhelming destructive power, ridicule is an oft-used weapon (unlike conventional nuclear weapons).

I suspect that those observing the use of ridicule in a debate tend to believe that if a position can be destroyed by ridicule, it had some weakness or flaw to begin with. I strongly disagree. I believe that the damage done to a position is simply a reflection of the skill of the ridiculer, unrelated to the strength or weakness of the position. Furthermore, I believe that at least some ridiculers are aware of this, knowing that if they use ridicule effectively they can make even undeniable facts appear to be ridiculous.

I would hope that, as a society, we would prefer our debates to be decided on the true merits of the opposing positions, rather than on the basis of "All is fair in love and war." This does not seem to be the case.

I must hasten to acknowledge that sometimes positions simply ARE ridiculous, and it is hard NOT to ridicule them. I should also point out that I am a big fan of humor, and believe our society would be better off if we tolerated more joking about sensitive topics -- but I actually see THAT as an almost-unrelated issue.

Truth is complicated.