Fundamentals of Debate
One thing that I hate about the 21st century is the fact that some people, yes even on WSO, have 0 understanding of how to have a proper debate that is actually constructive.
Instead, we rely on variety of logical fallacies. It's an endless stream of strawman (I said A, but you argue against B) and false associations (I said A but now you think I'm B, which is completely unrelated to A).
What's worse is that there are all sorts of poor attempts to establish some sort of moral high ground: "Oh you said this, so you must be some heartless bastard." I blame the politicians for that, but the same conversational pattern has trickled down to everyone. Since the world is getting dumber by the day, I'm going to explain to everyone the fundamentals of debate.
1) If you disagree with some point, provide a counter-argument against that very point.
2) Support with solid logic. Provide evidence when applicable.
3) If you notice a logical fallacy, point it out and why it's a fallacy.
WOW what groundbreaking revelations, right? If you ever went to high school in your lifetime, this should be common sense. But why isn't it? I'm fucking sick and tired of people just screaming bunch of horseshit without being able to form proper arguments and opinions.
the debate structure you have described is one created by white people therefore it is part of the system of systemic racism and by attempting to preserve it you are preserving white supremacy
I personally find that many people don't show their work very well when arguing. I started with NFL debate (back when it was the national foresnics league) and I found that despite the rigorous stated focus on argumentation and specific line-by-line clash, the ruleset turned competitive debating into a game where you could really win by reframing what the point of the debate was mid-round. I think that the trickle-down mindest that debating is a game to be won or lost has distracted from the original point of the activity which is to build skills in persusaion and rhetoric.
When I find myself talking with someone I disagree with, and I actually think both of us are open to learning new things which is rare, I like posing Socratic questions. It usually works out that I either get my questions answered (they changed my mind), they answer my questions in a way that works for them but not for me (either ask more questions or walk away), or they realize that there are some issues in their epistemic process that must be addressed (I changed their mind).
Usually the above changes the nature of the discussion from two competitors trying to convince an invisible judge into two buddies shooting the shit about something they find interesting, which makes the process a lot easier for everyone.
Yes, the classic Socratic method, asking questions while never stating an opinion. Therefore, allowing you to maintain your intellectual elitism because you're never wrong rather just seeking to understand.
I think it's a problem when people only use the Socratic method. As if invalidating the other opinion is a validation of your own, which is a clear logical fallacy in most cases.
But I do think that there are times when it's appropriate, even useful.
stereotype
Hey there, I tried the lemon Larabars. They are very good.
Yeah they are super good. I have a case on my counter.
How is this a stereotype if it's true?
9/10 people I meet are like this, online and offline.
You started a debate about how to debate and the first thing you did was make a generalization that 'people have 0 understanding of how to have a proper debate that is actually constructive'.
You could have made yourself somewhat in a better position if you would have said 'some people' have '0 understanding'.
Instead, you stereotyped and generalized, weakening your debate about debate.
Excuse me but, did YOU say ‘HORSE ’ shit?
That is so offensive to Gardening culture where horse shit is used as a plant fertiliser.
Why did you say horse shit? You could have said pig shit or cow shit or bull shit? Why did you pick on horses and their shit as an example to make your point?
You should apologise you racist, horse-fascist bigot!
You better apologise or I am gonna inundate you with six paragraph responses x infinity on what a racist, bigot horse fascist you are.
Hmmmm ....
STFU and don't highjack the thread.
How petty are you to still hold a grudge? When will it stop? After trying to highjack 3 of my threads? 10? 100?
ok fried ‘chicken’ man!!!!!
Was your intention to direct this comment at Intern at PropTrad or me. I could be wrong but it looks like it is technically directed at your original post
No one -
Absolutely no one -
Milton: throws 2x MS at me & then asks ME how long I am going to be petty and bear a grudge
OK Bye now !!! pls don’t send me 5000 10 paragraph responses on how & why I should re-think my life =}
I absolutely hate social media. Unlike most technological innovations, social media has been net harm to the world. The fact that I find it nearly impossible to find someone I disagree with but can still can be friendly with and have constructive conversations with is appalling.
My favorite saying follows "A fool is not someone who doesn't read. A fool is someone who reads 1 book and makes the world of it." We live in the age of indoctrination. People claiming to be knowledgeable, under scrutiny are brainwashed. They never bother questioning their own beliefs. They have 0 patience for different opinions. We all live in a bubble.
In a way, we already are all fucked.
I do believe that there are benefits to social media, but I agree that it is a net negative to society.
It also is notably, as Jeff Bezos said yesterday, a "nuance destruction machine." Things are either THE BEST or THE WORST with no in-between.
A lack of any nuance whatsoever is also endemic to WSO "debates"
Friedchickenman don't know shit about a debate. He spends his time circling around his own argument. He's a virgin jerkoff. The one thing that is clear, he's probably never made anyone cum besides himself.
Come over this weekend and I'll change your mind ;)
nice
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