Opposing Views ~ The only way to win...

[*bratcat*]

 

[LadyG]

Why is it so important to win a debate? Both/all parties have their own views and opinions so how can there be a clear cut winner?

 

[*bratcat*]

 

[Dixon Carter Lee]

Why is it so important to win a debate?

All debates have winners. Disagreements have stalemates.

 

[Saint Peter]

The masturdebaters get all the hot chicks.

 

[*bratcat*]

 

[Mischka]

Both Oliver and DCL are correct, depending on the context. Some threads are simply bait for a debate (meaning argument). Others topics are truly up for debate (meaning discussion). Avoid the former, and engage in the latter.

Playing off an earlier thread of yours, if the same topic was posted by SIN and Texan, I would avoid SIN's and post on Texan's. SIN is cantankerous, and flings insults as often as he receives them. His threads quickly deteriorate. Texan presents a conservative viewpoint in a more palatable way, and people respond in kind.

 

[*bratcat*]

 

[JazzManJim]

For my money, the entire purpose of having a debate is to convice those who have not already formed an opinion favoring one side or the other.

Each side brings their best arguments, the best attacks against the opponent's arguments, and the best defenses against their opponent's attacks and they see whose viewpoint is the most compelling to those who don't have a veiwpoint one way or the other.

That is, I believe, the entire reason debate exists.

 

[Mischka]

[hijack]Ahh...but for you...the only question I have...is would you flirt with Texan? [/hijack]

Over SIN? In a heart beat.

 

[LadyG]

But if someone can convince you that your opinions are wrong simply by showing another side, how confident in your own views were you to begin with?

I don't think there are clear winners, all you can hope for is to enlighten or open up different avenues of thinking.

Maybe I'm too naive.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

It's possible to win a debate?

For the most part, don't people just talk and not listen? I mean, isn't that what people do pretty much all the time, whether they're debating or not?
*shrugs*

 

[Quiet_Cool]

But if someone can convince you that your opinions are wrong simply by showing another side, how confident in your own views were you to begin with?

SO long as you can convey your ideas, you've succeeded in debate, even if the other person gives an argument that flat-out proves you wrong. Basically, the difference between and argument and a debate, is an argument is to find who is right, and a debate is about what is right. Even if you're convinced whoever you're debating with has beaten you, you've gained a new perspective that you might learn from. Isn't that more important?

 

[pipercatt]

I rarely get involved in debates or arguments, I usually read, if I have something I want to share or add, I do, if not, I don't.

I am not in it for winning, but sharing and learning.

DCL, you can stick your finger down your throat and make gagging noises if you like.

 

[HeavyStick]

brat hates it when I mention "bedposts" some reason she just seems to never return to a thread.

why the new AV sweetie?

 

[ma_guy]

I try not to get into "debates" and "arguments". If someone wants to discuss a topic I'll be there. I'm not interested in winning. For me the idea to to gain insight and take other points of view into consideration in forming/developing my own views.

No "debate" on Lit is ever going to change our world.

 

[Hamletmaschine]

I guess I haven't seen anything on this board that remotely resembles debate.

 

[Samuari]

Personally I purfer rubber band guns at forty paces. Alternatively, warm oil wrestling can be deicisive.

 

[*bratcat*]

 

[KillerMuffin]

Winning an informal debate is simple. The other party concedes either that your point is "more correct" than theirs or that you are a moron and they don't want anything more to do with you.

The first is the normal route. The second is Sin's, p_p_man's, and Red's tried and true method.

 

[lavender]