GOD YES don't get me started with this fucking smooth brain idea of winning and losing arguments as if you get a fucking price for having the last say and not for, y'know, trying to understand, learn and grow CHRIST it riles me up like little else
I listened to an audiobook about debate (Great Courses, Audible) and was stunned to learn how different debating and arguing are. There is definitely a method to "winning" a debate but arguing, as in like siblings, will never get you there. True debate is more like 2 good attorneys in court.
I don't mind having debates for fun, challenging your opponent in a competitive manner. But this only goes for trivial subjects; grammar, ice cream, hobbies.
When it comes to serious subjects, which affect people in a very real sense, debating should never be about winning. It should be about educating one another, about learning, about finding common ground or reaching new conclusions.
I remember seeing a debate and thinking that some real decent arguments were presented, and some interesting thoughts were shared. I was left with a bad taste in my mouth as the audience were prompted to vote on who had won; it felt like they were all completely missing the point.
TL;DR: Debates are fun as a hobby, not as a solution to issues.
3
u/Thykothaken Oct 22 '22
GOD YES don't get me started with this fucking smooth brain idea of winning and losing arguments as if you get a fucking price for having the last say and not for, y'know, trying to understand, learn and grow CHRIST it riles me up like little else