Bulverism

“Because you are rich!” “Because you are a girl” “Because you are a child” these are all examples of what could be classified as Bulverism. This is a term created by C.S. Lewis. In his work “Bulverism,” he explains that Bulverism is not proving your opponent in an argument is wrong but rather telling him why he is wrong. “Assume your opponent is wrong, and then explain his error, and the world will be ate your feet. Attempt to prove that he is wrong or (worse still) try to find out whether he is wrong or right, and the national dynamism of our age will thrust you to the wall.”

                Bulverism takes the ability to listen to the argument out of the equation. With this idea, there is no need to determine whether the grass is green or blue. The winner would be the man with the better insult. It does not matter that he is the one arguing that the grass is blue or that he is colorblind. His inability to truly listen and understand the position of the other man creates the ugliness that Lewis calls Bulverism.

                “Until Bulverism is crushed, reason can play no effective part in human affairs.” Lewis makes it clear that until we fully realize that the solution to the problem is not degrading and insulting the other person but to find the fact at hand, reason holds no role in the argument.  The ability to reason is a gift God has given to us. The ability to determine using rational analytical points to determine whether the facts are right or wrong—this is a gift that God has given. Yet, when our pride is at stake we all to attend abandon that gift for the sure method of Bulverism. This will keep our pride intact, but it may lead others astray from what is right in this world. So, the first steps to keep Bulverism at bay may be hard and our pride may be lost, but we will be using the gift of reason the Lord gave to us to its full potential. Be humble, listen, and use reason in an argument—and perhaps that true answer will be found.