Non-argument

[NuclearFairy]

A non-argument is when two or more people argue about something which they don't actually disagree with, and so they go round and round in circles with people getting their feelings hurt because they're trying to make the other see their view when the problem is they're saying the same exact thing just in a different way and so don't realize they're talking about the same thing.

Anyways! What are some fun non-arguments you've seen or can think up?

 

[FrancesScott]

This is a nonsensical thread, what sort of epsilon semi-moron comes up with a sad excuse for a thread like this? Your premise is flawed, your argument facile, and you probably smell of stewed broccoli as well.

 

[filthytrancendence]

and you probably smell of stewed broccoli as well.

I'm afraid you're mistaken. The odor is boiled brussel's sprouts.

 

[Britva415]

A non-argument is when two or more people argue about something which they don't actually disagree with, and so they go round and round in circles with people getting their feelings hurt because they're trying to make the other see their view when the problem is they're saying the same exact thing just in a different way and so don't realize they're talking about the same thing.

Nuh-uh!

 

[Voyeurkenneth]

Not sure this exactly fits but I love this scene of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

 

[Actingup]

I'm afraid you're mistaken. The odor is boiled brussel's sprouts.

FFS, it should be brussels' sprouts. There's more than one brussel in the world.

 

[filthytrancendence]

FFS, it should be brussels' sprouts. There's more than one brussel in the world.

You've walked into my trap!

It's Brussels' sprouts. On account of they're from Brussels. And they're sprouts.

 

[Erozetta]

A non-argument is when two or more people argue about something which they don't actually disagree with, and so they go round and round in circles with people getting their feelings hurt because they're trying to make the other see their view when the problem is they're saying the same exact thing just in a different way and so don't realize they're talking about the same thing.

Anyways! What are some fun non-arguments you've seen or can think up?

Almost every phone call I've ever had with a particular fellow writer.

We once got into an argument over what counts as history. We were getting heated about it then I realized we were making the same argument in different ways and confusing each other simply because we took different paths to the same conclusion.

 

[filthytrancendence]

confusing each other simply because we took different paths to the same conclusion.

Ah, the old distinction without a difference. The best kind of distinction.

Can you truly call yourself a writer if you do not enjoy bickering about meaningless distinctions?

 

[Erozetta]

Ah, the old distinction without a difference. The best kind of distinction.

Can you truly call yourself a writer if you do not enjoy bickering about meaningless distinctions?

I'd much rather not bicker, it upsets my stomach.

But discussion, even heated discussion, over things we care about or are interested in is always useful and fun.

 

[Erozetta]

That was another argument we had. Are we arguing or discussing? That one we don't always agree on. Usually when he gets more upset than me it's an argument from his pov. He's yet to piss me off to the point I see them as anything more than discussions.

 

[filthytrancendence]

I'd argue that an argument is simply a view one defends with evidence. The connotation of it necessarily being more confrontational than a discussion is a product of human beings generally being bad at accepting evidence that conflicts with their existing position.

I will not be accepting arguments to the contrary.

 

[lliicckkss]

I'd argue that an argument is simply a view one defends with evidence. The connotation of it necessarily being more confrontational than a discussion is a product of human beings generally being bad at accepting evidence that conflicts with their existing position.

I will not be accepting arguments to the contrary.

no argument but that sounds like a debate haha

 

[Erozetta]

I'd argue that an argument is simply a view one defends with evidence. The connotation of it necessarily being more confrontational than a discussion is a product of human beings generally being bad at accepting evidence that conflicts with their existing position.

I will not be accepting arguments to the contrary.

What evidence is there for a subjective topic?

 

[filthytrancendence]

What evidence is there for a subjective topic?

Subjective evidence.

 

[Erozetta]

Subjective evidence.

If it's subjective, it's not evidence.

 

[SimonDoom]

Debates over definitions. Pointless. Is it porn or is it art? When you engage in this sort of debate you reveal your own tastes and biases, which, I suppose, has some value in some contexts, but you shed little light on the subject at hand. Real debate requires finding common ground on the meaning of terms and then disputing facts and values.

 

[filthytrancendence]

If it's subjective, it's not evidence.

Ah, but that is where you are wrong.

If I make the argument, "The cupcake in your avatar looks delicious," and I cite as evidence the fact that I think it looks delicious, then I have provided subjective evidence for my argument.

 

[shelleycat1]

Back to the Brussles Sprouts. If you put an apostrophe in, surely that is a greengrocer’s comma.

 

[Britva415]

What are some fun non-arguments you've seen or can think up?

Those ones where I just let them be wrong without saying a word, myself.

This is kind of along the lines of "you can be right or you can be happy, pick one."

 

[filthytrancendence]

There are two types of writers.

Those who get the joke of this thread, and those that do not.

 

[Erozetta]

Ah, but that is where you are wrong.

If I make the argument, "The cupcake in your avatar looks delicious," and I cite as evidence the fact that I think it looks delicious, then I have provided subjective evidence for my argument.

Since I made the cupcake, I could also tell you that the cupcake is actually made of dirt and therefore probably not delicious.

Neither is evidence that either proves what the cupcake is made of or the flavor of the cupcake.

Now, if you ate the cupcake you could state your opinion or experience with the cupcake in question, but another person could also try the cupcake and hate it, offering a different opinion on the same object. Neither is evidence of the cupcake either being delicious or disgusting.

Subjective evidence is most often used in the medical field because it doesn't matter if the person's experience is provable or not, just that the doctor or nurse can get information that only the patient can relay about the state and sensations of their body. If the patient lies or withholds information, they only harm their quality of care, so it is (or should be) assumed they are telling the truth* because that is what's in their best interest.

Outside of the medical field, subjective evidence is nothing more than an opinion, even if based on a logical conclusion due to observation and actual evidence supplied. Such as if I were to say that cupcake is made with Bensdorp 22/24 cocoa powder, unsalted butter, real vanilla beans, full fat milk, fresh eggs I'd gotten from a farm that morning along with other top quality ingredients and provided video of having used said products to make the cupcake. You can reasonably assume the cupcake tastes damn good, but unless you actually try it, you won't know. I could've burned it to all hell under that mound of chocolate frosting and fresh cherry.


*Applies less to women and poc

 

[Erozetta]

There are two types of writers.

Those who get the joke of this thread, and those that do not.

For what it's worth, I think I'm playing along with the joke by prolonging a pointless discussion just for the hell of it. (And procrastinating on writing 'cause that's the entire purpose of being on the forums.)

 

[Writer61]

Man: Is this the right room for an argument?

Other Man: (pause) I’ve told you once.

Man: No you haven’t!

Other Man: Yes I have.

M: When?

O: Just now.

M: No you didn’t!

O: Yes I did!

M: You didn’t!

O: I did!

M: You didn’t!

O: I’m telling you, I did!

M: You didn’t!

… and so on ...

 

[ElectricBlue]

This is a nonsensical thread, what sort of epsilon semi-moron comes up with a sad excuse for a thread like this? Your premise is flawed, your argument facile, and you probably smell of stewed broccoli as well.

Don't hold back there, FS .