How can we amicably debate?

[an anarchist]

Debates can be heated at times. Insults gets thrown around, emotions fluctuate. But no one is here for that (hopefully).

I want to discuss how we can amicably debate one another. Like, specific methods and tactics we can consciously do to foster peaceful, enjoyable, and fruitful debate.

It is our responsibility as the posters of this site to upkeep the pleasant atmosphere, even in the debate section. Well, at least that’s what I think. I don’t wanna crap all over where I like to hang out ya know what I mean?

I’ll start with a suggestion on how one can peacefully debate.

1. Log off
Emotions can make you type mean things. It’s so easy to get stuck with being constantly logged in with the urge to respond to every notification. But I advise you to log off at times and smell the flowers. When you come back, you will be in a better state of mind to amicably debate with your ideas.

2. Accept defeat (be open minded)
This isn’t a competition. It’s okay if you are wrong and it’s okay if you change your position after a debate.

So, what about you? Do you have general or specific advice for all of us ruffians who like to bout in the debate section?

 

[an anarchist]

In my anger management group, they taught about being assertive rather than aggressive. I think that can apply to online debate.

 

[Watchmen]

Unfortunately, most aren’t really debating. They’re just keyboard warriors. I think inserting an intellectual element into a post helps remove the destructive emotion.

 

[an anarchist]

Unfortunately, most aren’t really debating. They’re just keyboard warriors.

Why do you say this?

I think inserting an intellectual element into a post helps remove the destructive emotion.

Intellect is ideally devoid of emotion. Facts are cold. I think I see what you are saying.

 

[JustGeorge]

Why do you say this?

I don't know why he says that, but I kinda agree.

A lot of folks seem enraged about this or that, and come online to blow steam at the opposing 'side'.

They probably can't actually do anything about the problem directly, so I imagine it feels good to shake their fists at 'the enemy'.

I'm not saying all do that, but there are definitely a fair amount who do.

 

[Twilight Hue]

Debates can be heated at times. Insults gets thrown around, emotions fluctuate. But no one is here for that (hopefully).

I want to discuss how we can amicably debate one another. Like, specific methods and tactics we can consciously do to foster peaceful, enjoyable, and fruitful debate.

It is our responsibility as the posters of this site to upkeep the pleasant atmosphere, even in the debate section. Well, at least that’s what I think. I don’t wanna crap all over where I like to hang out ya know what I mean?

I’ll start with a suggestion on how one can peacefully debate.

1. Log off
Emotions can make you type mean things. It’s so easy to get stuck with being constantly logged in with the urge to respond to every notification. But I advise you to log off at times and smell the flowers. When you come back, you will be in a better state of mind to amicably debate with your ideas.

2. Accept defeat (be open minded)
This isn’t a competition. It’s okay if you are wrong and it’s okay if you change your position after a debate.

So, what about you? Do you have general or specific advice for all of us ruffians who like to bout in the debate section?

Yes..

Courage 101...

 

[an anarchist]

Yes..

Courage 101...

So… be feisty is your advice?

 

[Twilight Hue]

So… be feisty is your advice?

Yep. Think of it as Dharma combat.

 

[beenherebeforeagain]

For me, many of the debates on RF could benefit from use of a little structure, like from Rhetoric class...I know, no one has taught rhetoric since dirt was young and I ruled the Earth...

Stating an initial proposition would often be a great start. It doesn't have to be anything as formal as "RESOLVED: Beenherebeforeagain can't reason his way out of a paper bag!" But often it seems that the OP doesn't really have a firm idea of what they would like to debate or discuss, and participants have to kind of root around...and then get snapped at...a little forethought and structure could help!

That is, of course, assuming that the purpose of a debate is actually identifying arguments pro and con on a proposition...I have no confidence that is the reason for most 'debate' threads...

 

[Quagmire]

Debates can be heated at times. Insults gets thrown around, emotions fluctuate. But no one is here for that (hopefully).

I want to discuss how we can amicably debate one another. Like, specific methods and tactics we can consciously do to foster peaceful, enjoyable, and fruitful debate.

It is our responsibility as the posters of this site to upkeep the pleasant atmosphere, even in the debate section. Well, at least that’s what I think. I don’t wanna crap all over where I like to hang out ya know what I mean?

I’ll start with a suggestion on how one can peacefully debate.

1. Log off
Emotions can make you type mean things. It’s so easy to get stuck with being constantly logged in with the urge to respond to every notification. But I advise you to log off at times and smell the flowers. When you come back, you will be in a better state of mind to amicably debate with your ideas.

2. Accept defeat (be open minded)
This isn’t a competition. It’s okay if you are wrong and it’s okay if you change your position after a debate.

So, what about you? Do you have general or specific advice for all of us ruffians who like to bout in the debate section?

I find it helps a lot not to care about anything.

 

[Soandso]

Eh... I wouldn't take it to heart. No one is going into a debate here with the intent to change anyone's minds. Most are debating cause it's fun or to sharpen their debate skills. For me personally I look for little tidbits here and there I can learn

 

[Heyo]

For me, many of the debates on RF could benefit from use of a little structure, like from Rhetoric class...I know, no one has taught rhetoric since dirt was young and I ruled the Earth...

There are a lot of "rules for debating" out there, some specific, some more general. Maybe we can put up a collection for use on RF? Not necessarily as binding rules, but as a suggestion for people who want to debate. Nobody would be forced to use them, but it would at least be clear to me when I'm in a debate (not in a shouting match).
One rule I like to have in the collection is:

Rule: Answer the question.

That is one of the most frustrating things for me, especially as I'm a big fan of the Socratic method. People evading a question or simply telling me that they don't have to and that I can't make them should be an indicator that the debate has ended (or never begun).
There are of course exceptions to the rule when the question has nothing to do with the topic, is simple sealinoing, or has been answered. But as a general rule, just answer the question or bow out of the debate.

 

[RestlessSoul]

Practice humility, keep the ego in check. When two minds meet, enlightenment may follow for both. When two egos clash, clarity is lost and one by one the lights go out.

 

[John53]

I find it helps a lot not to care about anything.

You stole my strategy! But I add in no self esteem (I may be dumb but I'm not a dweeb).

 

[Secret Chief]

Don't wind @JustGeorge up. Works for me.

 

[Secret Chief]

You stole my strategy! But I add in no self esteem (I may be dumb but I'm not a dweeb).

meh

 

[John53]

Don't wind @JustGeorge up. Works for me.

Easier said then done. She's self winding.

 

[blü 2]

Debates can be heated at times. Insults gets thrown around, emotions fluctuate. But no one is here for that (hopefully).

I want to discuss how we can amicably debate one another. Like, specific methods and tactics we can consciously do to foster peaceful, enjoyable, and fruitful debate.

It is our responsibility as the posters of this site to upkeep the pleasant atmosphere, even in the debate section. Well, at least that’s what I think. I don’t wanna crap all over where I like to hang out ya know what I mean?

I’ll start with a suggestion on how one can peacefully debate.

1. Log off
Emotions can make you type mean things. It’s so easy to get stuck with being constantly logged in with the urge to respond to every notification. But I advise you to log off at times and smell the flowers. When you come back, you will be in a better state of mind to amicably debate with your ideas.

2. Accept defeat (be open minded)
This isn’t a competition. It’s okay if you are wrong and it’s okay if you change your position after a debate.

So, what about you? Do you have general or specific advice for all of us ruffians who like to bout in the debate section?

How can you amicably debate?

Easy. Just agree with me.

 

[Secret Chief]

Easier said then done. She's self winding.

That's true; I only ever say nice things to her but somehow she manages to take them the wrong way. What a ******.

 

[bobhikes]

Debates can be heated at times. Insults gets thrown around, emotions fluctuate. But no one is here for that (hopefully).

I want to discuss how we can amicably debate one another. Like, specific methods and tactics we can consciously do to foster peaceful, enjoyable, and fruitful debate.

It is our responsibility as the posters of this site to upkeep the pleasant atmosphere, even in the debate section. Well, at least that’s what I think. I don’t wanna crap all over where I like to hang out ya know what I mean?

I’ll start with a suggestion on how one can peacefully debate.

1. Log off
Emotions can make you type mean things. It’s so easy to get stuck with being constantly logged in with the urge to respond to every notification. But I advise you to log off at times and smell the flowers. When you come back, you will be in a better state of mind to amicably debate with your ideas.

2. Accept defeat (be open minded)
This isn’t a competition. It’s okay if you are wrong and it’s okay if you change your position after a debate.

So, what about you? Do you have general or specific advice for all of us ruffians who like to bout in the debate section?

The simple thing that I did was just realize it is a debate, not some world changing event. It is not something that is going to save the world but just a hashing out of opinions between 2 people that really don't matter in the Skeme of things.