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Why Our Children Don't Think There Are Moral Facts

opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com

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Re: Why Our Children Don't Think There Are Moral Facts

#5

  We then had this conversation:
  Me: “I believe that George Washington was the first  president. Is that a fact or an opinion?”
  Him: “It’s a fact.”
  Me: “But I believe it, and you said that what someone believes is an opinion.” 
  Him: “Yeah, but it’s true.”
  Me: “So it’s both a fact and an opinion?”
At least his son is smarter than he is.

Re: Why Our Children Don't Think There Are Moral Facts

#6
post #5

We then had this conversation: Me: “I believe that George Washington was the first president. Is that a fact or an opinion?” Him: “It’s a fact.” Me: “But I believe it, and you said that what someone believes is an opinion.” Him: “Yeah, but it’s true.” Me: “So it’s both a fact and an opinion?” At least his son is smarter than he is.

What I meant was, his son's blank stare is exactly my reaction as a 30 year old adult --- I can't comprehend how this guy doesn't comprehend how stupid his questions are.

Re: Why Our Children Don't Think There Are Moral Facts

#9
post #6
post #5

We then had this conversation: Me: “I believe that George Washington was the first president. Is that a fact or an opinion?” Him: “It’s a fact.” Me: “But I believe it, and you said that what someone believes is an opinion.” Him: “Yeah, but it’s true.” Me: “So it’s both a fact and an opinion?” At least his son is smarter than he is.

What I meant was, his son's blank stare is exactly my reaction as a 30 year old adult --- I can't comprehend how this guy doesn't comprehend how stupid his questions are.

No, you just probably never thought about what "knowing" actually means. Put simply, he wasn't there when Washington was President so he can only believe that historical resources are telling the truth.
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