Why do we argue?

[Bucky]

Poll question: Why do we argue?

No, let me change that. Why do you, personally, argue here at DU?

    hurry up and add suggestions for "tba" options before the editing time period elapses!

[ixion]

1. I actually prefer the word "debate" to "argue"

I really get no pleasure from arguing with people. I do enjoy a good, rousing debate, though. :)

[Bucky]

2. I like "squabble" myself

as that verb holds open the possibility that Skinner might come barging into the sand box at any given moment and give us all a time out.

[KittyWampus]

10. Also, "bicker". Like family members.

[FBaggins]

3. Oh Bull... they're the same thing!

You must be a rightwing plant.

[ixion]

4. lol

see, that's a good example of trying to start an argument. :hi: :rofl:

They're not, really. An argument is a heated exchange, usually involving rhetoric and vulgarity. A debate is more technical, and, in theory, stays away from insults and attacking the messenger, which is bad form, and nothing more than a cheap parlor trick to try and distract from the matter being debated.

[FBaggins]

5. Is this the right room for an argument?

Man:
An argument is a connected series of statements intended to establish a proposition.


Other Man:
No it isn't!

Man:
Yes it is! 'tisn't just contradiction.


Other Man:
Look, if I "argue" with you, I must take up a contrary position!

Man:
Yes but it isn't just saying 'no it isn't'.


Other Man:
Yes it is!

Man:
No it isn't!


Other Man:
Yes it is!

Man:
No it isn't!


Other Man:
Yes it is!

Man:
No it ISN'T! Argument is an intellectual process. Contradiction is just the automatic gainsaying of anything the other person says.


Other Man:
It is NOT!

Man:
It is!


Other Man:
Not at all!

[ixion]

6. heh heh heh... yep, that's the skit that came to mind

a classic. :rofl: :toast:

[lumberjack_jeff]

7. 'Cuz you're wrong.

Do I need more reason?

[Bucky]

9. Shit, if I had a dollar for everytime someone told me that...

I'd donate 'em to the Red Cross

[lumberjack_jeff]

13. It'd probably be nearly as much money as the pile of dollars I'd have for each time I *was* wrong.

:hi:

[KittyWampus]

8. because it's good to find the holes in your own argument. Also, to present my own view point

I admit to being a know-it-all type but do enjoy learning from others and improving my rhetoric and grasp of issues.

I can and have admitted to being wrong.

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

11. I argue because others get all riled up about it. Who cares what I'm arguing about. LOL

If I can make an argument, even one I completely disagree with, it's usually because some bimbo on the internet is on some sort of crusade or gets all bent out of shape about the argument. I argue for sport :) If there's a counterpoint with some merit and emotionally charged opponents I'll be there.

There's an old saying, whoever cares the least controls the relationship - this is also true for the sake of argument. By detaching yourself emotionally and personally from an argument you can then proceed to hurl rebuttals and insults with impunity and thorough enjoyment. I have a politcial mix of friends who may think I'm left or right wing, but have no real idea. Yes, it's sadistic and manipulative but it's all just fun and games. The real beauty is that it's others who grant you the power to upset themselves... just let that sink in a little. If you ever find yourself debating with me, the safe bet is that I likely don't even believe the stance I've taken much less give a a shit about your opinion or winning the debate.

The best topics to start e-arguments (regardless the view your defending that day):
Guns
Healthcare
Abortion/Women's rights
Taxation Strategies
Labor Unions
Capitalism/Corporatism
Climate Change

[Kokonoe]

12. I argue when reasoning fails to prevent impending harm on others

As anti-American republican values harm our country.:patriot:

[Blue-Jay]

14. Because it's fun. Plus you're stupid for asking.

:yoiks:

[Posteritatis]

15. 31% of the responses so far kind of frighten me. (nt)

[HopeHoops]

16. You forgot the option "Glenn Beck is an asshole."

That would be my choice.

[omega minimo]

17. Why do some think everything has to be an argument? Is this an Argument Board?

[ThomWV]

18. Its a shame that so many people just don't know what it means to present an argument

Or that responses aren't hostile.

[timeforpeace]

19. It's in our jeans.

[closeupready]

20. Door #1, though I don't seriously think people are going to change their minds.

I do sometimes challenge people to defend their assumptions which nobody else bothers to challenge, because people take things for granted - for example, with regard to energy, you rarely hear people talk about conservation or even reduction of consumption anymore - instead, it's 'we need more energy and where are we going to get it?' My counterpoint would be, 'what's wrong with encouraging people to reduce consumption?'

But I think lots of times, I don't get my point across, and people just swat me down because they can't be bothered to think, and resent being forced to do so.

But it's just the way I am.

[stuntcat]

21. I don't

That's why I stopped commenting here. I come to DU everyday and read stuff but rarely get the nerve to add anything because I don't need angry little men blowing up at me. It really doesn't take much to get some nasty insults, just be honest about what you feel and a young man will totally FREAK at you and no one will stop them. I amazes me how people will attack someone who really agrees with them on lots of big important issues.

My opinion of fellow Democrats has changed a lot since I joined DU. I'm certain the whole country has gotten more hateful and warlike, democrats included.

[rucky]

22. To make other people feel stupid, and me feel smarter by contrast. n/t

[Bucky]

23. You shouldn't have to run someone else down just to feel smug about yourself

That's not a general rule. I mean specifically someone as totally awesome as you should just feel superior without regard for what a bunch of losers like them think.

(this post only makes sense if you understand that I'm pointing at those feebs upthread while I say "like them" in italics.)

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

24. We argue because you steal all the covers and like the heat turned up two degrees too hot.

Stop looking at me like that. What look? You know what look. Yeah, I'm gonna eat this hoagie even if it gives me a heart attack. Hey, what's that outside? YOU KIDS GIT OFF MAH LAWN.

Honey, where's my metamucil? I said METAMUCIL. You know what I said. You ain't so old you can't hear your own husband. Sometimes I don't know why I even bother.