[cap-talk] Capabilities and Freedom vs. Safety

[David Chizmadia (JHU)]

Toby Murray wrote:
> Speaking as someone who was converted to caps largely via reading this
> list, and through some own experimentation, I have to say that if
> cap-talk and e-lang become exclusive forums for capability believers,
> then we will be forever preaching to the converted. This will remove all
> hope of indoctrinating the unbelievers via these lists.

    I don't see these forums as venues for converting unbelievers,
so much as for believers refining their understanding of what they
believe and the genuinely interested, but skeptical, for monitoring
the evolution of that shared understanding until they have enough
information to make their own decision.

> Reading the archives reveals that there have been many others over the
> years who have joined these lists, engaged in the discussion and either
> stayed or left having learnt something important. I'd be disappointed if
> these lists stopped serving that purpose.

    I suspect that most everyone on the list started in the
"genuinely interested, but skeptical" category and evolved to
wherever they are now. I certainly did!!

    And I would indeed hate to see these lists stop being a venue
for learning. I just don't want to see us distracted by those who
are intentionally being contrary.

-DMC