Arguments and Fallacies

[monk222]

Every argument can only be constructive, if the two sides agree on being objective and, try to avoid fallacies. In most cases though, people are not charitable and, use fallacies willingly. In these cases, they are not really engaging in an argument but merely, a personal dispute with you. Therefore, the only thing I would suggest is to avoid them.

“Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.”

-- Thomas Paine

A nice proposition. However, there often comes a point, and often quickly, when both sides reach what we might call a moral impasse, that is, they argue from different 'first assumptions'. The clearest example is where a question depends on the existence of God. One side believes it, and the other does not. And if you do not readily agree to disagree and move on, then an argument is likely to degenerate.

Comments

Give up because it's a waste of time!

[poovanna.livejournal.com]

“Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.”

Hah! Good luck with that! Because that would exclude interaction with all human beings. Best give up such dreams & get used to the fact that debates will always have framing etc.

It's mathematically impossible for two people to agree to disagree, if they're acting rationally and with common knowledge of each other's beliefs.

The fact that mutual agreement is an exceedingly rare event & is limited to low stakes, inconsequential battles is a sobering indication of how "rational" we think we are! ;)

So, best get practical & embrace the idea of using spin & talking points to sell an issue, no matter how disagreeable! :)

[hardblue.livejournal.com]

I guess we can just enjoy the conversational value of it all, provided that we can keep from crossing the violence threshold, heh.