How To Argue

Now as evidenced by today's entry, as time goes on I am bound to say some things people disagree with. That’s fine. Disagree with me. It’s not only your right, it’s my belief that an untested viewpoint is like an untested hypothesis; it sounds nifty but it ain't worth a damn. (I think that is actually a paraphrase of a famous quote of someone’s.) The true value of debate is not to win, but to share ideas and learn from one another.

However, it has been my experience that there are some internet communities out there that need to learn 3 basic rules of debating. This will be old hat to most of you and to some of you this very useful info as you go through life, especially life on the internet.

Rule 1: Back up your argument with as much facts as possible, preferably facts from unbiased sources. Obviously, if one if debating faith, everyone relies on doctrine and belief rather than hard scientific fact (I think everyone here is mature and respectful enough to steer away from the irresolvable and inflammatory argument of “Which is the One True Faith”) or when debating feelings, you rely on personal experience that may not be universal to your audience. But with other topics, the argument “Because I said so!” means you have no argument.

Rule Number 2 is absolutely iron clad: Do not engage in ad hominem or personal attacks while engaging in intellectual debate. You may not respect the postion, but respect the person. They have reasoning they feel is just as valid as yours. Do not attempt to belittle or smear your opponent’s character or background or attempt to claim any kind of moral high ground. If you cannot back up your argument with logic, you have no argument. Attacking one’s debating opponent personally usually indicates that you have run out of logical support for your position. In short; that you are arguing from a weak standpoint. It also can indicate a strong insecurity in one’s position. To many on the internet, adding a “And by the way, you suck!” (or any permutations thereof) onto your post is simply a metaphorical away of rolling belly up and exposing your throat. Not a recommended course of action.

--->On a TOS-ish note, I will delete posts in the comments thread that engage in personal attacks as soon as I see them. In the mean time, everyone who sees you engaging in such juvenile behavior will eat you for lunch if they so desire.<---

But the most important thing to remember, and I need to be reminded of this myself occasionally, is Rule 3: Not to take these kind debates too seriously. This is not RL, it's the internet. Words on a screen from someone you will probably never meet do not impact or threaten you or your lifestyle in anyway. So relax. If you find yourself personally offended and steamed by someone's differing opinion, it's time to walk away. Have a beer, take a walk, play a VG, surf over to a site that makes you laugh. Chill. Come back when you have your head screwed back on straight and can be the best representative for your side of the issue.

Have fun!