Stimulating Honest
Conversation .
About Us .
The Intellectually Honest Society is led by a group of people who are mindful of the impact of thoughts, words and actions on humanity and the planet.
We explore ideas based on fact, logic, and compassion, consider the substance of points made and not form, and are open to the possibility that new facts and logic may come to light that result in changes of opinion.
We believe that ideas and issues can be complicated and nuanced, that different and opposing opinions should be encouraged, and that it is ok to say we don’t know, don’t have enough information or need more time to form an opinion. We also respect that it is possible to not have or not wish to share an opinion.
The Intellectually Honest Society was founded in Geneva, Switzerland
We explore ideas based on fact, logic, and compassion, consider the substance of points made and not form, and are open to the possibility that new facts and logic may come to light that result in changes of opinion.
We believe that ideas and issues can be complicated and nuanced, that different and opposing opinions should be encouraged, and that it is ok to say we don’t know, don’t have enough information or need more time to form an opinion. We also respect that it is possible to not have or not wish to share an opinion.
The Intellectually Honest Society was founded in Geneva, Switzerland
4 Key principles .
Intellectual Honesty
The kernel of intellectual honesty is to have a virtuous disposition to eschew deception when given an incentive for deception.
Intentionally committed fallacies in debates and reason are called intellectual dishonesty
Intentionally committed fallacies in debates and reason are called intellectual dishonesty
'Intellectual Honesty' by Louis Guenin
Good Faith
A sincere intention to be fair, open, and honest, regardless of the outcome
Definition of Good Faith
Subject of Debate
It is not the person, but the measure, that is the subject of debate
Robert's Rule's of Order - Rule #43
Intellectually Honest Debate Tactics
There are only two intellectually honest debate tactics:
1. Pointing out errors or omissions in your opponent’s facts
2. Pointing out errors or omissions in your opponent’s logic
The dishonest list is much longer.
1. Pointing out errors or omissions in your opponent’s facts
2. Pointing out errors or omissions in your opponent’s logic
The dishonest list is much longer.
'How to Spot Dishonesty Arguments' by John T. Reed
Conducting an honest debate .
1. Questioning the motives of the debater, or their interest, is not factually or logically important.
2. One’s personal beliefs and politics do not interfere with the pursuit of truth.
3. Relevant facts and information are not purposely omitted even when such things may contradict one’s hypothesis.
4. Facts are presented in an unbiased manner, and not twisted to give misleading impressions or to support one view or another.
5. References of earlier work are acknowledged where possible, and plagiarism is avoided.
2. One’s personal beliefs and politics do not interfere with the pursuit of truth.
3. Relevant facts and information are not purposely omitted even when such things may contradict one’s hypothesis.
4. Facts are presented in an unbiased manner, and not twisted to give misleading impressions or to support one view or another.
5. References of earlier work are acknowledged where possible, and plagiarism is avoided.
Contact .
To find out more about us or to enquire about joining our community, please send an email to Hugh Quennec.
hugh.quennec@intellectuallyhonestsociety.org
