Robert Arp > Quotes

“For example, a person may believe that going to heaven and going to hell are the only possible things that could happen to a person after death. A coach may believe that any competition boils down only to winners and losers. People may compartmentalize everyone who is not their friend as an enemy. In each of these situations, an individual only sees two possibilities when there are more.”
― Robert Arp, Bad Arguments: 100 of the Most Important Fallacies in Western Philosophy

“For example, if we ask the question, “What is it to be a Christian?” (or “Who is a Christian?”), we receive various answers depending on who answers the question. In the broadest use of the term “Christian,” it seems that anyone identifying herself as one would count as a Christian. In a more strict sense, anyone adhering to (some of) the central tenets of Christianity (such as creeds, etc.) would likely count as one. Yet, there are plenty of other, even more specific definitions of what it is to be a Christian; these definitions are frequently incompatible with each other, and this provides an incredibly fertile source for instances of the fallacy.”
― Robert Arp, Bad Arguments: 100 of the Most Important Fallacies in Western Philosophy

“Through their conversations they learn goodness and engage in the“thinking” Arendt describes. Friendship, then, helps us to examine our lives. In the episode “Prehistoric Ice Man” Larry says that “living is about sharing our ups and downs with our friends,” and when we fail to do this we aren’t really living at all. If thinking and goodness only arise through real dialogue with others – through critically questioning and examining our own views – then we need more friendships like the one Kyle and Stan share.”
― Robert Arp, South Park and Philosophy