On the ethics of debate

If this thread is based on message 236, personally I think you are out of line. I believe Faith answered you in the next post. Faith said maybe.1. Faith's post mentioning the TOE was not to you and off topic.
2. Your post asking Faith to give her definition in another thread was off topic.
3. At that point Faith had the choice of taking up the challenge or not. Faith chose not to.Faith answered maybe, but chose not to apparently. We have that choice and I don't feel that there is anything uncivil or dishonest about it.Just because you wanted a debate in another thread on a specific subject doesn't mean Faith has to go there. Faith didn't make the comment in that thread.Just because someone throws down the gauntlet, doesn't mean we have to pick it up.

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There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. -Edith Wharton

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1. In an environment such as this EvC forum, is a person obligated to answer relevant questions? For example, what is your definition of evolution? (edited to change from required to obligated)

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No. This is not a formal debate. There is no contract or promise etc.

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2. I hold that if a participant does not answer, they are being unethical. Do you agree or disagree? No discussion of repercussions or ramifications, just yes or no.

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No, annoying maybe, but not unethical. How can silence in this situation be unethical? Remember, we have various belief systems represented on this board and various countries. Whose ethics?

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3. If a participant behaves in an unethical manner and yet continues to participate, are they being dishonest? Obviously, I say yes.

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Since this is just about not answering, no. Again, annoying, but not dishonest. I associate dishonest with lying, cheating, lack of truthfulness.Now I do consider it dishonest when people come in to preach and not discuss, which is not what you are talking about, IMO.

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There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. -Edith Wharton

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Imagine that I assumem make that insist, that you accept my position and expect you to believe my position.

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Now remember that I have the opportunity to stick my opinion into your conversations without others without your permission such that you really cannot ignore it.

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Typos have made these sentences unclear, please clarify the sentences. Previewing before posting helps.

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Imagine you and I are having a discussion and I declare that you are full of crap.

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Declaring that I am full of crap breaks rule #10

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You would probably hold that my behavior is odious. And you would be right. And how would you feel if I persistantly and flagarently behaved in that manner?

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IMO, you are describing something different than simply not answering a direct question.

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There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. -Edith Wharton

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I did not use my imaginary conversation to hide a slam at you.

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I took it as an illustration as it was intended. Unfortunately, your example fell under rule #10.

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She should be required to answer.

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Out of curiosity, how do you propose that should happen?

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There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. -Edith Wharton