I think the important thing is not so much disagreement, nor attacks on one's philosophical position, but the animus that may (or may not) motivate such attacks. Philosophy is about debate, it is a culture of argument, but mean-spirited and vicious and personal attacks on people really aren't part of philosophy and shouldn't be. I think it is this excessive hostility that people truly object to.

J.Climachus,

Agreed! Debate suffers when animosity leads to belittlement; thus, discourse ends, chaos begins.

Out of chaos, emerges chaos; chaos leads to more chaos, and the first thing everyone realizes, nothing was gained by such exercises.

Jazz

there is always something gained.

we've gained the knowledge of what not to let happen again. or when to cut off the debate.

well, i think i have anyway.

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Replying to:

J.Climachus,

Agreed! Debate suffers when animosity leads to belittlement; thus, discourse ends, chaos begins.

Out of chaos, emerges chaos; chaos leads to more chaos, and the first thing everyone realizes, nothing was gained by such exercises.

Jazz

This forum is not dead, it is thriving! For it is in discourse and exchange of ideas and beliefs that we learn, and that we better understand our own beliefs. "Question everything, keep the good." The worst offense in philosophy is anger and namecalling. These attitudes reflect neither intellect nor a thirst for wisdom but rather a childish defensiveness of ones own pride. When we challenge someone philosophically, it should be to learn from them, to help them, or to better understand our own beliefs. That is why as long as philosophers continue to challenge, to question, and to seek wisdom in this forum, it will never die.