Internet debates, what's the point?

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@DR: I also see a difference in the scale of debates and arguments. To my mind, a debate is more comprehensive, about a larger issue or group of issues, while an argument is likely to be over details. A debate can be structured of a - hopefully logical! - series of arguments.

A good debate presents me with the opportunity to learn things that I didn't know before, or clarify misconceptions, or hone my ability to argue (!) my own positions. All three of those are enjoyable.

And, as HB pointed out, some of the WTF!-moments that crop up are damned funny.

 

Amen to that, BOM in general helps in giving me a better and broader understandment of the english language.

Now back to the subject shall we? To me the internet is merely the means, the tool which the debate goes through. It does not matter if it is in real life or on the internet, when someone is clearly shut to other's opinion it will always lead to bashing. Also I think that internet debates provide an advantage over real life debates, that is being annonymous. Most of us will never see X or Y in real life, and even if X's opinion is clearly contradictory according to Y the thing ends here. While in real life knowing the person or even seeing it it can be harder to keep one's head cool. Well IMO anyway.

 

It's sometimes rather frustrating to talk to people, but that's life. Everyone is entitled to their opinions as long as they don't become a law.

So the main point, IMO, isn't about winning, but having fun while writing. Personally I have noticed that there is a fine line between becoming too "invested" to the topic and just typing in a reply for the fun of it. The difference is that the first one can get ugly.

 

In principle, I agree that debates, even over the internet, can be fruitful in the sense that they can broaden your horizon, give you new ideas to chew on. But usually it's just .

Personally, I can't be arsed to participate in internet debates much these days. I got sick of the fortresses of self deception some people have erected that can never, ever be brought down. Plus, the "Here's what I claim, now why don't YOU find something to back it up, and then we'll talk" -attitude started to grate my nerves somewhat. It's just not worth the time and effort.

Nevertheless, I still enjoy following the Alley debates. It's due to the sensible, intelligent, knowledgable and apparently tireless individuals whose posts I often learn new things from (and who actually back their stuff up with something).

 

Ahhh, a thread about debating over whether or not to debate. How intriguing....

 

I'm not much of a "debater". But enjoys reading them. I believe that debating is not necessarily an argument... that is if you consider "argument" as a form of conflict rather than a certain view to a certain topic. An argument (conflict) will most of the time have it's participant wanting to attack each other. A debate, can make each participants respect each other, despite their different points of view.

I also believe that debating, internet or not, have their use. For one, reading them can either close or open your mind to certain issues. Another, it tells me what kind of people these debaters are. And lastly, depending on the topic or flow, they can be informative, destructive, or simply downright entertaining.

 

Well, acording to www.dictionary.reference.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/argument)

Argument, /ˈɑrgyəmənt/

–noun
1. an oral disagreement; verbal opposition; contention; altercation: a violent argument.
2. a discussion involving differing points of view; debate: They were deeply involved in an argument about inflation.
3. a process of reasoning; series of reasons: I couldn't follow his argument.
4. a statement, reason, or fact for or against a point: This is a strong argument in favor of her theory.
5. an address or composition intended to convince or persuade; persuasive discourse.
6. subject matter; theme: The central argument of his paper was presented clearly.

I think it's a least a good way to express one's point of view and sometimes even defend it. I don't think it's useless per se, only when both side haven't an open mind to try to understand the other's view.

And Barmy; what's so funny about my statement?

 

It's funny because you said you like to talk to others on SP to keep up on your English skills, and then you used the word "understandment" which isn't a word in the English vocabulary. Most natvie Enlish speakers knew you meant to use the word "understanding" instead, but it was humorous because you said you actually use the site to improve your English, and while doing so provided a case in point of why that may be needed.

 

Ah well yes, but I never claimed to be perfectly fluent in english either now did I ? I stand by my point nonetheless, my English *has* improved over the years because of SP.

 

Ofelix, we weren't laughing at you per se, but it was funny. Please don't take it as a knock on you, as I'm sure Barmy didn't intend it that way. And yes, I agree your English has greatly improved over the years, I've definitely noticed.

Now if I can just find a German Sorcerer's Place I can brush up myself...

 

Oh I didn't thought you were, I simply wished to know why.
Sie sprechen deutsches Todeskaninchen? ( ) Meins ist auch recht schlecht.

Anyway back to topic or lack of; Errr... I already stated my opinion, so carry on people!

 

I couldn't help noting the irony in the praise for 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by the reigning IotW.

Also, I shall hurry and post a new thread for Flix and DR.

 

I enjoy debating on SP (most other sites are filled with people screaming back and forth and not actually making points (besides: I'm an idiot...)) because I like seeing well thought out arguments on sides of issues I either haven't thought about, I don't agree with, or was unaware of. Many times the members of SP have changed my mind because they make plausible and meaningful arguments.

 

@Ofelix, I didn't understand your response to my post. I think it is clear that I did not have a problem with the term "argument". And it seems like you think I thought a debate is useless. Also, it's just not about the people who debate, there are spectators or audience who might or might not be affected by the debate, whether for good or for bad.

 

@nior: I simply gave a dictionary's definition of the word "argument" to see what it's really about. I didn't do it as a shortcomming on your understanding or anything. Ah yes now I understand, it seems I unfortunately didn't writte what was intented to your quote, something like " yeah sometimes they just tell what kind of person he really is for exemple just read the "Homosexuality and religion debate " The text following was simply my own opinion on the matter. My bad

[ August 30, 2007, 22:47: Message edited by: Ofelix ]

 

No harm done.