I read somewhere (perhaps even here) that debates are to figure out WHAT is right and arguments are to show WHO is right.
In arguments ego has the most role. Content does not matter. It is to tell others you won who also do not care because they are absorbed in their egoic thinking LOL
In debates ego is subordinated to finding out what is right and opponents have the same goal which is to know what is right.
In forums like this people can get carried away and start saying things that go against the forum guidelines (not just the rules).
If a thread degenerates due to arguments, then sometimes the thread is altogether gotten rid of which is the right thing to do.
In arguments with ego flaring there are attacks at a personal level. However it is best if the attacks are on the content.
Knowing this distinction is key to avoid degeneration of threads.
I have challenged, some may say attacked the content. Of late, I have not attacked anyone because it is silly to attack someone I do not know. All we know are what a person claims. Most use a user name which is not their real name anyway.
But attacking or challenging statements made is fair game. If some statements have hatred against any group, exposing that content for what it is , again is not an attack but a service.
Sometimes a person is out of words and cannot argue, much less debate. Then they resort to name calling sometimes using nasty words and profanity. That is a clear defeat and such people are not worth the time to argue with. Of course if such people again write content that is illogical and possibly hurtful they can be challenged.
Best is to challenge content and stay in that goal as focus and not attack anyone personally, even while trying to understand the motivation of a piece of content.
What say you....
In arguments ego has the most role. Content does not matter. It is to tell others you won who also do not care because they are absorbed in their egoic thinking LOL
In debates ego is subordinated to finding out what is right and opponents have the same goal which is to know what is right.
In forums like this people can get carried away and start saying things that go against the forum guidelines (not just the rules).
If a thread degenerates due to arguments, then sometimes the thread is altogether gotten rid of which is the right thing to do.
In arguments with ego flaring there are attacks at a personal level. However it is best if the attacks are on the content.
Knowing this distinction is key to avoid degeneration of threads.
I have challenged, some may say attacked the content. Of late, I have not attacked anyone because it is silly to attack someone I do not know. All we know are what a person claims. Most use a user name which is not their real name anyway.
But attacking or challenging statements made is fair game. If some statements have hatred against any group, exposing that content for what it is , again is not an attack but a service.
Sometimes a person is out of words and cannot argue, much less debate. Then they resort to name calling sometimes using nasty words and profanity. That is a clear defeat and such people are not worth the time to argue with. Of course if such people again write content that is illogical and possibly hurtful they can be challenged.
Best is to challenge content and stay in that goal as focus and not attack anyone personally, even while trying to understand the motivation of a piece of content.
What say you....