Why do I delete comments? It is not because the commenter disagrees with what I say. In Epistemic/Doxastic Possibility I floated a definition that commenter Andrew Bailey refuted. He blew it clean out of the water. I acknowledged the refutation as soon as I became aware of it and proposed a different definition. Bailey refuted that one too. The discussion proceeded from there with what I hope was mutual benefit. Bailey's was an example of a good comment.
So you don't have to agree with me. But you must address what I say and demonstrate that you understand the issues and are competent to discuss them. You must show that you have a philosophical spirit and are not an ideologue. Those are the rules. If you don't like them you are free to go elsewhere.
On my previous weblog, a potential commenter had to apply before being let in. This allowed me to vet applicants for their likelihood to contribute usefully. On this version of Maverick Philosopher I am experimenting with a different method. On some but not all posts the ComBox is wide open. This makes it very easy to leave a comment. But your first comment is your application and letter of introduction.
In the New Testament we read, "Judge not lest ye be judged." (Lk 6:37) But I say unto you, "Judge and be prepared to be judged." Readers of Ayn Rand know that that is a formulation of hers. So they are not in much of a position to complain if it is applied to them. Hostility, stupidity, ignorance, unseriousness and incivility are all disqualifiers. And so are being a sophist or an ideologue.
Ideologues especially are not welcome. You must love truth above your pet convictions. You must be able to accept criticism and refutation.
Leaving comments is a privilege, not a right. The site administrator is under no obligation to accept comments at all, let alone from any particular person. This site is private property. I allow you to be here. If a man's home is his castle, his blog is his cybercastle. Would you allow just anyone into your 'castle'? If you invite someone in and he behaves offensively or stupidly would you invite him back? Probably not; so why should I?
Disallowing comments from a particular person, or deleting an offensive, off-topic, or otherwise substandard comment, has nothing to do with censorship. People who think otherwise confuse censorship with lack of sponsorship. I am under no obligation to provide anyone with a forum.
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