I see a lot of hot heads even in the scientific realm. Look at the ostrisization of Rupert Sheldrake. And conversely, a religious debate can be very fruitful, as long as certain rules of logic, order and a mutual desire to reach a deeper understanding are upheld. Politics....well, okay a fruitful debate there may only be possible in theory ;p

Philosophy is queen, and she has many handmaidens.

You make good points about the goals of respect being important. I love figuring out that I am wrong because it allows me to continue to learn and reach ever more nuanced understandings.

Thanks for always having thought provoking articles Dana!