Thursday, August 30, 2012

Contradiction and Conversation

I sometimes hear people say that it is impossible to have a rational conversation with someone who denies the principle of non-contradiction. I've read this claim in editorials, I've heard it from friends and family, and I've heard it from the pulpit.

I actually feel like I can't talk to people who say this. At least, I can't imagine a conversation of much depth with a person who polices the boundaries of logic so assiduously. How are you going to expand my understanding of reality without uttering what to me will sound like contradictions?