Should Bill Wilson have won the Nobel Peace Prize?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around whether Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, should have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Participants explore the impact of Wilson's work on alcohol recovery and its broader implications for peace and fraternity, while also debating the criteria for the Nobel Prize itself.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that Bill Wilson's influence on alcohol recovery and the establishment of various support groups warrants recognition with the Nobel Peace Prize.
  • Others express skepticism about the appropriateness of awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to someone whose work is not directly related to traditional notions of peace and fraternity.
  • One participant highlights the subjective nature of Nobel Prize criteria, suggesting that it leads to disagreements about deserving recipients.
  • Another participant questions the validity of votes against Wilson, implying that those who voted against may lack familiarity with his work and its impact.
  • A participant cites the official criteria for the Nobel Peace Prize, suggesting that Wilson's contributions may not align with these standards.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on whether Bill Wilson deserves the Nobel Peace Prize, with some supporting his candidacy based on his contributions to recovery and others opposing it based on the criteria and relevance of his work.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the interpretation of the Nobel Prize criteria and how they apply to Wilson's contributions. Additionally, the discussion reflects differing personal experiences and perspectives on the effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Is his work worthy of the Prize?

  • Yes, Bill Wilson was a genius. Just read any book he authored for proof.

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Alcoholics Anonymous is just a bunch of wino's talking in a room. Not in the same league as Ghandi.

    Votes: 3 100.0%
  • Total voters
    3
  • Poll closed .
Neo_Anderson
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For your information, Bill Wilson is the guy who co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous.
I think his work was so influential and has such an amazing impact on alcohol abuse and recovery that he did indeed deserve this Prize. From his first AA meeting in 1935 spun all kinds of recovery groups like it, such as Overeaters Anonymous, Gambler's Anonymous, nicotine Anonymous, et-cetera. Inspiration of this magnitude can only be matched with the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize!
 
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This is a problem with giving out prices like the Nobel prize because the criteria is broadly defined. There is always a thought that someone else should have received the prize.
 
What loaded poll answers...
 
So far, two people voted against Bill Wilson receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, with 0 voting in favor. That means there are two people who have never read Bill Wilson's work, have never seen former alcoholics rebuild their families, and have done no research or reading about AA whatsoever voted against Bill Wilson receiving the Prize.
This disturbs me greatly.
 
Neo_Anderson said:
So far, two people voted against Bill Wilson receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, with 0 voting in favor. That means there are two people who have never read Bill Wilson's work, have never seen former alcoholics rebuild their families, and have done no research or reading about AA whatsoever voted against Bill Wilson receiving the Prize.
This disturbs me greatly.

I have voted against it and I have done the research I`ve had members of my family go to AA sure it works for some people... how does that deserve a peace prize?
 
The criteria for the nobel peace prize:

...shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.

Then again, it's not like that criteria means much lately.
 
I see absolutely no point in this thread. Locked.
 

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