The following is the beginning of a fictional Socratic Dialogue …

Mark: Sue, I don’t think there can be an argument about a definition.  Everyone has their own opinion and who is to say whose opinion is right?

Sue: Mark, do you think everyone’s opinion is just as good as everyone else’s opinion?

Mark: Yes- who are we to decide whose is better?

Tina: Why are you guys always asking questions? Why can’t you just leave the class and let it go!

Professor: Tina, what prompted you to ask that question?

Tina: I just don’t understand the point.

Professor: Why don’t you just let them have their discussion and go on your own way? I mean, is there a reason you want to know why they feel the desire to continue the discussion?

Tina: I will be on my way- I have a class.  But I am a little curious as to why seemingly rational people have to argue over things that don’t seem important.

Professor: How would we be able to discern the importance of their topic?

Tina: I just don’t think it is important- that’s all.

Professor: And according to which criteria do you judge their topic to have no importance?

Tina: I’m sorry I said anything! I just want to go to my next class!

Professor: And is that important?  …