Postby Games_Bond » Sat May 26, 2012 10:58 am
"Debating is fine. Arguing is not." So true, in the context I think random puts it.
For me as a philosopher, an "argument" means something different to me than it does to most people. To me, it is the sum of the parts of Premise and application of logical rules to reach a conclusion. So in that context, for me, argument is fine too. Debating is merely analysing another's arguments and forming one's own during a discussion.
However, when "argument" carries a meaning of going at each other with personal remarks (or, when held in person, shouting), then argument as random says is not fine at all. I have a rule: I will not be the one that turns a debate hostile. (Although, I admit, I am not above conveying certain tones and using such crushing arguments that will invoke hostilities from the other side). But generally, I will wade in politely, and hopefully the other side will recognise that they have my respect and will appreciate that. Of course, there has been the odd occasion where the other side has blindly ignored that respect and as a result lost said respect - at which point I "give it both barrels", as it were.
I generally avoid debates that could turn into hostile arguments. The reason being, I feel they are un-necessary and I have no time for them. I hate arguing with a member-of-my-family-that-I-won't-name, because that family member's modus operandi in any debate/argument is to shout louder and invoke a "whoever shouts loudest wins" tone to proceedings. It really doesn't matter that she's uttering complete b****cks, she wins because she's uttering it at ten decibels more than I can reach. In addition, she will interrupt, talk over and not listen to the other side. So she "wins" any argument with me, for want of a better word, by cheating. At least in written forums, that is not a problem. People can WRITE IN CAPITAL LETTERS to shout, but they can't interrupt, and if they lose their rag or resort to personal slurs, then as long as the audience is fair-minded, that will come across as desperate and they will lose.
But that's all supplementary information. Basically, if I wade into a debate, then I sure better contribute something positive to it. Otherwise, I feel, there is no point in me commenting. Kudos to random for addressing this subject, but I'm sure it has been brought up before and, I'm afraid, I am sceptical of the possibility that it will change anything. But we can live in hope.