Debate or argument?
 

I would propose to discuss the relative merits of a debate versus an argument.

Whether it's climate change, religion, politics, guns, or ice cream, if your point is to make a point, you should be debating.

If you're trying to educate others, you should be debating.

If your goal is the manufacture and dissemination of misinformation, you should be debating.

If you want to show how smart you are, you should be debating.

If your desire is to humiliate, subjugate or dominate others, or raise your own blood pressure, or increase the level of tension and dissatisfaction in the Cellar - or in the world; if you want to show how ignorant you are, or generally cast yourself in a bad light - then you should be arguing.

In the Cellar - as in the world - I see too much arguing and not enough debating.

What would you like to see?

Arguments are more entertaining, though.

wolf - how did you respond before I finished the poll?

I am one with the Force.

don't like either

Oh good. I was afraid that you were the ghost in the machine.

I voted more debate and less argument but sometimes those with passionate natures cannot help themselves... :rolleyes:

I don't like either, but I don't want to sound like, I don't like it, because I'm above all of that. It just doesn't interest me. It's just not my bag. I like the fluff. I like reading something that makes me smile. Turning on the computer to find a fight is like a foreign language to me. I don't understand why, but lots of people enjoy debate, I don't.

I'd like to see Brianna naked. :)

You'll get in this regard I think not either debate nor argument (except perhaps from she herself).

Agreed, I would rather participate in a debate than an argument; but, arguments are engaging as spectator sport. This creates a dilemma for someone who's just here for the entertainment. I suppose I'll have to become a referee ... :sniff:

Either, it is all constructive on some level.

More debate. Too often on here (and everywhere really) if you challenge a point that someone makes they take it as a personal attack.

OK. But you first. :)

The fine art of debating is lost in text form. Without hearing a persons tone of voice it may seem like an argument when really it is debating.

I think when it get's down to put downs and name calling then one can be sure it's an argument.

The only person I argued with was my x boyfriend who insisted it was not ok for me to feel upset when he hung up on me twice.
Now that became an argument!