To Choose

[jackofallgeeks]

As is widely known, I believe in certain truths. One of the most common objections to a number of my arguments is "I believe it's their choice," a phrase which is said in such a way as though this should simply end discussion, because it's quite evident that believing is choice is the end-all of the argument.

Of course it's their choice - it's always their choice. Nothing you tell them, nothing they believe, nothing will ever make it NOT their choice. Belief does not take free will away, it gives it ground to stand on. I should think it's self-evident, but it's even a choice for me when these issues enter my life. It's odd in that society seems to present a choice of "no" as no choice at all.

All that being said, even if you agree in choice, you must have some opinion of the rightness or wrongness of a thing. Example - I should say the great majority of us here think taking drugs, as such, is wrong. However, it is still a choice - the choice between doing what we know is right, or that which is wrong. It is also a choice for each of us to eat or not - but as we all agree that eating is, generally, a good thing, it's not called into question.

It seems to me an absurd argument that "It's their choice." I have no gripes with differening opinions - if not for such opinions, we would never learn anything. But I should hope people are more educated in what they believe to have some argument as to why one's choice should be 'yes' as opposed to 'no,' or at the very least why 'yes' is equally acceptable to 'no.'

Disclaimer: Before anyone gets up in arms about this, the truth is that, yes, I have had discissions with a number of you recently where "it's their choice" came up. As such, that is what got me thinking on the subject that, regardless of anything else, it's ALWAYS your choice. I do not mean to attack anyone personally, but rather demonstarte the absurdity of such an argument. I can still respect a well-argued, if desenting, opinion.

Comments

[surichan.livejournal.com]

I certainly like to let people live their lives according to their own choices, because I would like to be allowed to life life according to mine. It doesn't necessarily mean that I agree with their choices, but I will respect their right to make really dumbshit decisions. For instance, I find abortion to be an absolutely abhorrent concept...the very thought of it brings me close to tears. Unfortunately, however, people will do what they will. All I can do is state my individual belief and allow them to state theirs...perhaps talk with them to better understand their motives and perhaps work at changing their minds, bit by bit.

"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." I think Voltaire said something to that effect, and it's the same with choices people make, at least for me.