This is just so ridiculous because "rational argument" is notoriously difficult to define. Descartes believed logic itself was a form of rhetoric. I forget wher

This is just so ridiculous because "rational argument" is notoriously difficult to define. Descartes believed logic itself was a form of rhetoric. I forget where he wrote this comment, but its context included a very interesting discussion about the relation of logic to philosophy. We are all acquainted with logic here. We know that all logical deductions arise from a foundation of axioms. In the domain of human affairs, axioms are akin to belief. Therefore, each set of beliefs lends themselves to a different set of deductions. Who is to say which set of beliefs are the right ones? If I believe in the Christian God, and I say that abortion should be illegal because it is the taking of a sacred life. Am I being irrational? This "paradox" that is constantly brought up is just absurd. I must believe that Popper said this in passing and didn't take it too seriously, but perhaps someone can correct me.