GameBanshee Forums

What is the point of debating?
Can we really claim to be learning when we spend hours and hours banging on at a Creationist about how there is not enough water in the world, while they close their ears and tell us to repent?
Do all debates either star as, or finish as an excuse to either show off our intelligence or make the other guy look bad?

What is the purpose of debating, IYO?

Well

In a civilized enviroment, two educated (on the subject) adults can batter back and forth and gain knowledge from each other by relating to the other thier own personal points of views. But, since we live in a barbaric world with morons a rampant, its just a bunch of people arguing to pass time. Whoever stays igrnorant the longest, wins by default.

There is a fine line between debating and arguing. A lot also depends on the subject and the participants.

For instance, you cannot put a group of creationists in a room with a bunch of scientists and have any sort of meaningful debate over the origins of the universe. Similarly, there can be no constructive discourse between right-to-lifers and pro-choice advocates.

In my opinion, debating is for the people who have not made up their minds and are in the moderate middle. The extremists on any issue cannot debate it because neither side can convice the other that their evidence is worth hearing.

I will use an example from here at SYM: Our friend BaronTx is gung-ho about invading Iraq at this time and I am staunchly against it. Neither of us can convince the other that we are right, so after a while he and I will go round and round, but we'll eventually end up deadlocked because neither of us is willing to give. There are probably many things we could debate constructively, but that is one issue that he and I will never see eye to eye on. That's not to say that we shouldn't have any discourse at all, but a prolonged argument will only lead to hard feelings and boiling blood.

As long as everyone who participates is willing to be respectful of the others, debating is a very worthwhile and constructive pursuit. While it may not change anyone's mind completely, there is very little harm in hearing all sides of an argument and seeing all of the evidence.

Originally posted by HighLordDave
As long as everyone who participates is willing to be respectful of the others, debating is a very worthwhile and constructive pursuit. While it may not change anyone's mind completely, there is very little harm in hearing all sides of an argument and seeing all of the evidence.

If only everyone was...

Why do I like debates?

Well I agree-the people in the debates must respect eachother. But to be enlightened of eachother's POV is very important. But it is also interesting to see what the difference of views are. But not only that, you get to show certain sides of yourself and explain them to people who dont feel the same way. Its a good way to show self-expression. And communication is very important in the social activity of mankind.

Originally posted by Everclearules20
If only everyone was...

Unfortunately, this is often the case.

However, you'll notice that most of us who get into the heated debates around here are generally pretty good about respecting each other's opinions, agreeing to disagree and not resorting to "dirty" tactics. Part of that is because the moderators do a pretty good job of keeping everyone in line, but also because most of us recognise that the best way to bring credibility to our own argument is to acknowledge the credibility of other people's viewpoints.

That's not to say that we don't tell each other that they're full of crap or demand to see more evidence, but we don't (usually) resort to name-calling or character assassination.

The only way for debating to be constructive is for everyone involved to have an open mind and be willing to have their view changed. Most people (myself included) are too self-righteous and arrogant to believe that they may be wrong and as a result, take attacks on their argument as attacks on their person (we had one member who believed this to the extreme, but she has since been banned). When a discourse reaches this stage, it ceases to be a debate and is simply a bunch of people shouting at each other and how wrong the other side is.

@HLD, debating is arguing. The point of arguing is to force ones opinion on the opponent. A benefical side effect (in this context) is to influence enough by-standers to agree with you. By this method, with enough support, you can force your opinion on people.

I don't like "debating" because of this - but I feel this is the essence of "debate" in today's world.

If I believe in something, I wouldn't bother debating it with someone (having felt sufficiently informed to take an opinion). Or listen to their attempts to sway me. But when someone tries to assault you by gathering support...

You are right; debating is arguing. However, I suggest that there is a semantic difference, and that arguing is not necessarily debating. Debate is presenting an argument to an audience which may or may not be persuaded to see your point of view based on the merits of your evidence and persuasiveness of the presentation. Arguing can take many forms and is not necessarily constructive.

Originally posted by frogus
What is the point of debating?

There is none. That is why it's so much fun.

I have yet to see ANYONE change his views or opinions because of a debate... -> so IMHO there is NO POINT of debating other than passing the time in an entertaining and intellectually stimulating way.


No worries,

Beldin

Originally posted by Beldin

I have yet to see ANYONE change his views or opinions because of a debate... -> so IMHO there is NO POINT of debating other than passing the time in an entertaining and intellectually stimulating way.

How unlucky for you. I have seen it several times, although I admitt it doesnt exactly happen on daily basis.

But may I ask if you dont belive that debating can change peoples opinons, what does? Is it only due to personal experiences, or is there any way at all people can learn from each other?

@Dottie: In my experience so far - debates mostly take place between people with deeply ingrained views about something - and even if they TRY to get the other one to see their point it takes a LOT to make any of the members in a debate even to CONSIDER something other than THEIR point of view.

I think the "learning from each other" takes place not by debating (or discussing) their opinions, but by WANTING to learn from each other. (Allright -This might involve some discussing about some details, but since this form of discussion mostly takes place between people which have basically the same views ....)

I hope this is making sense...

No worries,

Beldin