In media and in politics it is often assumed that there is some wisdom in the voice of the majority. Prohibition is the best example that nonsense, even if agreed to by the majority and even if voted into law, is still just nonsense. Opposite than in media and politics, at Virtual Agora we do not try to find out what the majority thinks the truth is; we try to figure it out what the truth actually is.

1. The most convincing argument wins.

At the ballot box or in the opinion poll the majority defines the result. At Virtual Agora, a single voice with the most convincing argument wins; even if nearly everybody else disagrees.

2. The truth is never absolute.

It is our best understanding of the facts known to us at the moment. In politics, more than in math or physics, the truth is harder to define because of human error in assessing our own understanding of the facts pertaining to us. Despite the fact that it is not easy, we can get closer to the truth by taking apart complex political issues. We should do it perpetually.

3. Being a skeptic is a virtue.

Trust your eyes and ears. Doubt those who claim that they are trustworthy. Double-check facts. Put cold logic ahead of the warmness of your heart. Question yourself all the time, and everyone else as well.

4. Everyone’s voice is equal.

The algorithm of the debate at Virtual Agora has been designed in a way that every Forum member has an equal ability to prove a given opinion true or false just by logical interpretation of known facts. In particular, Virtual Agora provides a structure for community-managed debates, and Virtual Agora owners and operators have no way to provide any preferential or discriminatory terms for any users or political views.

Updated May 31, 2017