Most of us has some bias or another.... if all we want is like minded conversations to affirm some personal belief system then we are only preaching to the converted and that can be stultifying....

I'm becoming fairly negative about the idea of effective discourse. Few people want to understand other views.

I think people need to strive to understand other views, An educated mind can comprehend a concept without embracing it....It's also good to acknowledge validity even if what's correct is surrounded by FAKE NEWS or utter illogic.

I also think it's essential to criticize your own side. It seems like both sides of every issue just get more extreme and many arguments are basically strawman idiocy discussing the extremes. We protect our tribe, even when they're wrong and defy the "enemy" even if they're right.

I think there's some factual criticism for both sides of every issue, even issues I agree on.

Twenty years ago I was definitely a liberal, but thanks to extremists and not criticizing our extremists, I now say I'm just a left-leaning moderate. It's odd though, bc my core stances haven't really changed.

Agree, however we ought to keep trying...

Yes, which is one reason I am not a member of this interest group. Since the run-up to the 2016 election, and the polarization that was revealed then, and which continues, many people have come to believe that people on the other side of the fence are evil and stupid. Many people don't have any qualms about denigrating another person; in fact, many are proud of it. Perhaps you should pull together some rules on how to engage in debate and then boot people who cannot live within the rules.

Agnostics, and atheists, are not immune to stupidity.

I go through the same thing off and on...it may have a lot to do with where we are emotionally at a given time. We may be looking for something that may or may not be found here or any where else, except a therapist’s couch! Maybe it has something to do with living through many phases of social orders and seeing how destructive some phases seem more so, than others! We need reassurance that the world is not REALLY falling apart! Then we try and have an in depth discussion and find other people appear to be scattered, in their knowledge and wisdom! This is my perception...

Ok brother... tell me more.

Most political and social conservatives have forgotten what the term "civility" means-- if they ever knew.

You know the "Intellectual Dark Web"? It's a bunch of people who aren't afraid to talk about stuff that gets panties in a bunch.

It totally shouldn't be a thing. But it is.

I'm assuming (lol you know what assuming does) is left of center and believes in GCC, GLBTQ equality, pro-choice....

Just one idiot's opinion, but if you can't factually criticize anything you endorse and usually find SOMETHING valid in those you disagree with, then I'd say you're extremely biased.

Has anyone seen the Tedtalk about the Black guy who infiltrated the alt-right and even some racist groups? If a black man can see some validity in outright racists, why can't we strive to understand those we disagree with?

"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.". Aristotle.

Nuh, education systems and the fourth estate discourage logical thought to the extent that religiosity pervades discourse across issues. So one has to learn to deal with cognitive distortion and fallacious logic.

It's difficult, but not impossible.
Please hang in there.

No one, ever, has thought discussing politics or religion is a good idea ......consult any etiquette book ever written,

I would kinda agree but not entirely people usually stick to topic but any time Trump is mentioned comments start that aren't related to the topic that's just bashing him or his supporters. I find it absolutely ridiculous to talk down to or to wish harm even something simple as a slap to people for who they support politically or for any opinions and outtakes they have on life. We are all people and not everyone is going to agree, I work with mostly democrates and Trump haters but I still get along just fine with them. I didn't like Obama being in office for 8 years and never talk down or brought harm to anyone I took my medicine and moved on. Of course I would make my case and points on matters I never acted in the manner I see these days with society. Nothing is solved with bashing on either side right or left issued need to be addressed and dealt with. I support the right and no we aren't perfect and our plans and ideas don't work for everyone but the same is for the left.

I'm no fan of his but I am getting tired of so many posts getting sidetracked by irrelevant Trump slams.

I just accept there is no getting thru to some truly religious folk. If I don't mind them otherwise I just stay away from religion, if possible. The problem is emotions, too many can not remove themselves from the emotional triggers long enought to have a conversation on an intelligent level. This applies to religion and politics.
There are groups within this site - the trump pinata is for bashing all things trump. Mostly for the completely frustrated to vent, vomit, rage and then return to 'normal' society w/o the pent up crap.
I not had any expriences on this site I would concider negative.

I gave my view and asked for a response and guess what no one replied.

I hear you...