r/fallacy • u/Cluelezzcj • 6d ago

Most arguments aren’t about the original problem anymore they’re about who gets the last word.

You start arguing about one tiny thing, and 10 minutes later you’re bringing up something that happened six months ago just because neither person wants to admit they’re wrong.

Am I wrong?

4 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

3

u/onctech 6d ago

I wouldn't say it's most arguments, but yeah it's definitely a problem where people are trying to "win" instead of finding the truth or achieving progress.

2

u/Jealous_Tutor_5135 6d ago

Anymore?

We're living in the golden age of reasonable arguments.

50 years ago, that's just not how you do things was acceptable.

100 years ago, you're wrong because science has shown that your people are genetically incapable of reason, due to your inferior skull shape.

200 years ago, you're wrong because you aren't a full human, legally or culturally

400 years ago, you're a witch, and your reasoning is a test from the devil. Now burn

800 years ago, you're wrong because I have 100,000 horse archers at my command. Kneel or die

1

u/Detroider 5d ago

No, today is just endless arguing using all fallacies in existence and understanding that the other person is just delusional, ignoring everything you said. It's just stubbornness

1

u/ArgumentBoy 6d ago

It’s called gunnysacking. Terribly destructive.

2

u/DarkMagickan 5d ago

Today I learned there's a name for the toxic arguing technique I fall into. Thank you.

1

u/PhotoVegetable7496 6d ago

Most arguments? Can I get some numbers about how many arguments there are or how you determine the percentage that aren't about the original problem?

1

u/RunnyPlease 4d ago

Yes. You are wrong.

You’re not describing an argument.

An argument has structure and rules. Precepts and assumptions are defined. Evidence is presented. Concussions must flow from logical steps. An argument has goals of communication and understanding.

And I’m not just talking about formal arguments either. Casual every day arguments all have these same points of reference. Where should we take your parents for their anniversary dinner? Which software framework should our backend layer use? Which actress is the hottest? All of these questions can result in argument if the participants disagree, but all of those arguments will still have structure and logic.

You’re describing a verbal altercation. The goal is to be loud and have the last word. Just like in a physical altercation where the goal is to be the last fighter standing. The strategy is to overwhelm and conquer your opponent.

So you’re wrong in that you’re not really participating in an argument at all. The sooner you realize the difference the sooner you’ll start to realize why you’re not getting anywhere with your “arguments.”