(March 17, 2015 at 11:09 am)abentwookie Wrote: Dissent? Why would you join a group if you don't share their values in the first place? That would be like me joining a Christian fundamentalist or Libertarian group even though I have nothing in common with either of them. That makes no sense.
Most of the prominent members involved with Atheism Plus definitely support social justice. However, I don't think they support people with opposing values joining the group just to stir up trouble, which was what was happening. This happens with any group. There are always those who will join just to try to tear it apart from within...
I think the idea that ideas must be "hashed out" in a "safe space" is misguided. I think ideas, not matter how noble, should be subject to scrutiny, including adversarial questioning on controversial issues. The failure to do this seems likely to inculcate groupthink, and impede the probing of downsides to potential policy proposals.
