Chapter 1: Understanding the Culture War

In my extensive reading—from books to news articles and various Medium posts—I've come to recognize that we are entrenched in a Culture War that has persisted for quite some time. This conflict often unfolds before my eyes as I discern the biases, deceptions, and propaganda that aim to sway individuals toward one ideology or another.

I am on a quest for truth and am open to changing my viewpoints; throughout my life, I have done so multiple times. However, my perspectives are never altered by intellectual dishonesty.

I frequently encounter writers who claim to dismantle a particular idea or belief system. I use the word "claim" because true debunking cannot stem from dishonesty. Those who genuinely understand the truth can see through any tricks. Those who do not initially recognize the deceit will eventually learn of it, and once they do, they may feel disillusioned forever.

This explains the widespread mistrust in politicians and the media.

Thus, my plea is for honesty. I assume that the writers' deceptions are not deliberate; they may simply be misled themselves. Yet, resorting to name-calling or mocking someone's beliefs does not constitute debunking. Such tactics are logical fallacies—specifically, Ad Hominem and Appeal to Ridicule.

If you misrepresent someone's beliefs and then attack that distortion, you haven't debunked anything; you've just constructed a Strawman argument. Attacking a mischaracterization is not proof of anything.

Sometimes, people might say, "The expert says so…" but that's also a fallacy—an Appeal to Authority. Experts can be wrong, biased, or even corrupt. Their assertions cannot replace genuine proof.

I urge writers to commit to honest debunking. Strive to uncover the truth. Seek primary sources. Be open to changing your mind, and acknowledge that there are legitimate questions or concerns.

Through dedicated research, I have often transformed my views. Debate etiquette dictates that you should be able to argue a position as well as the person who holds it. If you lack that understanding, you cannot truly debunk their argument.

It's possible to learn from someone while disagreeing with them—that's the essence of argumentation. If you find yourself resorting to dishonesty, tricks, or fallacies, take a moment to reflect:

"What is the truth here?"

Then, go out and discover it.

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Chapter 2: The Importance of Critical Thinking

Bio: Chris Bunton is a writer, poet, and blogger based in Southern Illinois. He has contributed to numerous magazines and authored poetry and addiction recovery eBooks. His latest work, "The Future is Coming," is a collection of dystopian short stories.