so this agenda thing.

[Newman Noggs]

The OED is the last refuge of a floundering argument.

Oh dear. Not sure I agree with that old chap.

To constructively argue any point you need to be sure you are arguing about the same thing hence the need to be clear about what each party means by "bias" and "agenda". I think the OED is the very place to begin.

Are you and NJ arguing that an individual cannot have an agenda ?

If not, are you arguing that an industry in which those individuals with an agenda predominate cannot have a collective, or institutionalised agenda ?

I'm not dogmatic on this, simply looking at the arguments which, for me, point to an agenda of the sort I have just described.

 

[prestonibbo_mcfc]

I don't fucking care. Our name is currently on the Premier League Trophy and I'm hoping
it'll be there again at the end of the next season. Media and other teams can say what they like,
i'll still be there watching our scinit... sintila... brilliant football. I know what I see, I do not need
confirmation from know nowts or bitters.

 

[George Hannah]

The OED is the last refuge of a floundering argument.

Oh dear. Not sure I agree with that old chap.
To constructively argue any point you need to be sure you are arguing about the same thing hence the need to be clear about what each party means by "bias" and "agenda". I think the OED is the very place to begin.
Are you and NJ arguing that an individual cannot have an agenda ?
If not, are you arguing that an industry in which those individuals with an agenda predominate cannot have a collective, or institutionalised agenda ?
I'm not dogmatic on this, simply looking at the arguments which, for me, point to an agenda of the sort I have just described.

they work in sectors where the individual does not exist except as a client

 

[gordondaviesmoustache]

I, of course, accept that a singular person can have an agenda, but that is not, surely, what anyone is suggesting in the context of this debate.

 

[George Hannah]

I, of course, accept that a singular person can have an agenda, but that is not, surely, what anyone is suggesting in the context of this debate.

not so far past my prime as you it seems ;-)

 

[gordondaviesmoustache]

To constructively argue any point you need to be sure you are arguing about the same thing hence the need to be clear about what each party means by "bias" and "agenda". I think the OED is the very place to begin.

If only people used the OED for clarification, as you suggest, rather than vindication, as is the case in most instances of its use in a debate, then I would more happily accept your assertion as to its currency.

 

[nijinsky's fetlocks]

The OED is the last refuge of a floundering argument.

Are you and NJ arguing that an individual cannot have an agenda ?

Erm, where, exactly, did I state that?
I merely postulated that 'bias' and 'agenda' have different meanings, which clearly they do.
Unless, of course, you are George Hannah, who steadfastly refuses to get hung up on mere technicalities such as dictionary definitions.

 

[George Hannah]

To constructively argue any point you need to be sure you are arguing about the same thing hence the need to be clear about what each party means by "bias" and "agenda". I think the OED is the very place to begin.

If only people used the OED for clarification, as you suggest, rather than vindication, as is the case in most instances of its use in a debate, then I would more happily accept your assertion as to its currency.

So you finally concede that those with an agenda have a bias and those with a bias have an agenda, singular and plural. The beginning of wisdom, now convince Fetlocks.

 

[gordondaviesmoustache]

I, of course, accept that a singular person can have an agenda, but that is not, surely, what anyone is suggesting in the context of this debate.

not so far past my prime as you it seems ;-)

At least I can take small comfort from the fact that I have much, much further to fall ;-)

 

[aguero93:20]

It an academic point, but I'm with NF on this.
For an agenda to exist there has to be a conscious agreement formed between parties, rather than just a common purpose. It is difficult to see how, in the absence of people actively conspiring together, an 'agenda' could have any substance, form or purpose, and therefore exist at all.

it's a good job you neither of you are academics then. I have an agenda and I am indivisible.

Biased ****. :)