05-18-2006, 12:05 AM
Hi,
Make your argument once, then drop it (unless you have something substantial to add). Repeating the same argument does not strengthen it, indeed it usually weakens it (I'm reminded of the "I object", "No, I strenuously object" scene in A Few Good Men). Realize that the primary objective of a discussion is to share and exchange opinions and information. Realize that the person disagreeing with you is your foil, not your target. The targets are the other Loungers who may not yet have formed a firm opinion. Antagonizing them is the only way to 'lose' a discussion -- there is no way to 'win'.
You've repeatedly stated that you prefer a logical argument. Now walk the walk -- keep your arguments based on logic, not ad hominem attacks. And remember that logic does not, indeed cannot, apply in the case of opinion. De gustibus non est disputandum was probably an ancient concept when Latin first appeared. It is still a good concept three thousand or more years later.
--Pete
Ghostiger,May 17 2006, 04:08 PM Wrote:There is no way to avoid being personal when a person defends a position in a fair argument by resorting to lies or nonsense.Oh, yes there is. Since I often react the same way you do, I sympathize. But this past year has taught me to conserve my energies for what matters. So, when you find lies and nonsense, point them out. Refute the lies by offering facts, preferably facts that can be supported. Attack the nonsense by pointing out why it is nonsense, maybe by showing the contradiction, maybe by showing the erroneous assumptions the nonsense is based on.
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Make your argument once, then drop it (unless you have something substantial to add). Repeating the same argument does not strengthen it, indeed it usually weakens it (I'm reminded of the "I object", "No, I strenuously object" scene in A Few Good Men). Realize that the primary objective of a discussion is to share and exchange opinions and information. Realize that the person disagreeing with you is your foil, not your target. The targets are the other Loungers who may not yet have formed a firm opinion. Antagonizing them is the only way to 'lose' a discussion -- there is no way to 'win'.
You've repeatedly stated that you prefer a logical argument. Now walk the walk -- keep your arguments based on logic, not ad hominem attacks. And remember that logic does not, indeed cannot, apply in the case of opinion. De gustibus non est disputandum was probably an ancient concept when Latin first appeared. It is still a good concept three thousand or more years later.
--Pete
How big was the aquarium in Noah's ark?