When explaining exercise principles and criticizing beliefs and practices which violate them, it is common to be accused of dogmatism by one holding erroneous beliefs. This is often an attempt by the accuser to dismiss novel assertions or criticisms of his beliefs without providing sound counter-arguments. Ironically, this is frequently the result of his own dogmatism.
Dogmatism involves making assertions which may be unproven or unsupported, and/or rejecting criticism without consideration.
When assertions and rejection of criticism are supported by evidence and reason and are carefully considered, one is not being dogmatic, one is being intransigent—unwilling to compromise or to agree.
We must always keep in mind there is much we don’t know or understand, and we must always be willing to consider the possibility we are wrong about some things, but when we know we are correct, given the best evidence currently available and extensive experience with the subject, we must be unwilling to compromise; we must not concede to erroneous beliefs or unsound arguments. We must not compromise our standards.
Exercise is one of the most important things we can do to improve our functional ability, health, and overall quality of life, and when it is neglected or done incorrectly or poorly it has the potential to negatively affect these. If we compromise on this, we harm ourselves and others.
People don’t like to be told they’re incorrect about something, especially if they consider themselves to be a professional or expert on the subject, or if being knowledgeable about it is part of their identity, or if they’ve studied and/or practiced it for a very long time. Some will get upset, even angry, especially if told they’re incorrect publicly.
However, if you correct someone’s erroneous beliefs and improve their understanding of something, you are doing them a favor because our ability to make good decisions depends on our knowledge.
Even if the person you’re debating can not be helped, it is important to also consider the greater audience in any public venue. Some, perhaps many, onlookers will learn more from the debate than its direct participants. And this includes countering accusations of dogmatism.
An effective way to do this is to point out the above, explaining what dogmatism is and why it does not apply here. This leaves them with few options other than to attempt to formulate better arguments or accept that they’re incorrect.
For example:
“Dogmatism involves making assertions which may be unproven and/or rejecting criticism without consideration. I have presented evidence and sound arguments for my assertions, and I reject your criticisms because I have considered them and have determined that they are incorrect.”
