Is debating pointless?

[Jollybear]

So, is debating pointless? If yes.....why? If no.....why?

 

[Estro Felino]

No...it's fruitful-
and you learn through disagreeing, not through presuming to know.

 

[rosends]

I think one has to distinguish between arguing, informal debates and formal debates as each one has a different aim and therefore, a potential use. And, to be fair, I'm using my understanding of the terms/concepts:

arguing is anything from simple contradiction to aggressively stating a contrary position. It often has as its goal the convincing of outsiders, not convincing the opposing arguer. It allows all sorts of fallacies - that's good and bad.

informal debating is about analyzing argument, using rhetoric, presenting opposing viewpoints and unpacking the topic. It includes anticipating objection and making a passionate and well articulated case, answering criticism and presenting some of its own. It is the pro and con mashed up. It can devolve into the disrespectful but it should start on a higher level than argument. It stands a chance of convincing one of 3 parties -- the opposition, the bystander and, by forcing the speaker to clarify his points, he might even become convinced of a different position.

formal debating has rules, is timed, and is driven by a cleaner and more regimented process. It is useful for judges who follow a scoring process in a forensics context.

 

[stvdv]

So, is debating pointless? If yes.....why? If no.....why?

For some people "Debating is the way to go". For me not. I prefer sharing of personal experiences. And just use my discrimination which info to keep.

 

[Revoltingest]

So, is debating pointless? If yes.....why? If no.....why?

No, it benefits lesser folk who look up to us for insight.
But conversation is still better.

 

[Skwim]

Q. So, is debating pointless? If yes.....why? If no.....why?

A. Kind of depends on one's goals, doesn't it?

.

 

[Augustus]

So, is debating pointless? If yes.....why? If no.....why?

Not if you enjoy it.

 

[Jollybear]

Q. So, is debating pointless? If yes.....why? If no.....why?

A. Kind of depends on one's goals, doesn't it?

.

Give me few examples of the goals in debate?

 

[Jollybear]

No, it benefits lesser folk who look up to us for insight.
But conversation is still better.

Im not disagreeing, but why is conversation better then debate?

 

[Vinayaka]

True debating takes a ton of skill. Not many have it, I know I certainly don't. Problems arise when people substitute other notions like preaching, and believe it's debating. It then becomes like the playground shouting match, or arguing that I'm smarter than you.

So for those who are up for it, I think it's useful. It's also useful for people like me to read excellent debates, because I often learn something. But for arguers posing as debaters, it's probably useless, yeah.

 

[Revoltingest]

Im not disagreeing, but why is conversation better then debate?

When people get into debate mode, they're often afflicted with the mindset of pursuing a win.
Notice that some posters will latch onto some minor point (even inventing one), & beating it
to death for some imagined victory? Some actually proclaim it. They can be tedious, eh.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

So, is debating pointless? If yes.....why? If no.....why?

No. If done without arguing (exchange of feelings) it challenges you to perspectives and beliefs we would not challenge ourselves because we are comfortable with where we are. If we can get over that ego hump of "I don't debate because I am comfortable; or, I'm not a debater" there is more openness to how people interact with you without needing to form opinions of bias and prove one is right just because we offer each other a challenge in our differing opinions.

Gets people out of their comfort zone so they don't take their beliefs for granted. When you do that, you defend your beliefs more because you dont know "your enemy" to approach the other in a healthy point of view. If you get to know your enemy, conversations would be more fruitful if no one wants to argue.

 

[Jumi]

Depends on if you have some goal in mind to reach or if you are like me, without much of a horse in any race anymore...

 

[bobhikes]

So, is debating pointless? If yes.....why? If no.....why?

As long as anyone learns something it is not pointless. I always learn a lot from debates either clarifying my views or finding out new sources of information.

 

[Skwim]

Give me few examples of the goals in debate?

Off the top of my head:

Some people like to engage in one-upsmanship. Trying to "prove" themselves better/smarter/more intelligent /more educated/etc. than the next guy.
Some like to "prove" particular claims are wrong.
Some like the comradery. Trying to build friendships.
Some like to inform.
Some like to be informed.
Some like to sell their wares, be it a religion, a political stance, or a whatever.
Some like to rag on others because they have unresolved issues
And some just like to debate.
​

.

 

[Spirit of Light]

If debats are done with respect for the other persons and done to learn from each others it is good. But if it is done only to debunk others belief there is no need to continue the discussion

 

[BSM1]

So, is debating pointless? If yes.....why? If no.....why?

Yes...and no.

 

[Skwim]

If debats are done with respect for the other persons and done to learn from each others it is good. But if it is done only to debunk others belief there is no need to continue the discussion

I disagree. I believe that debunking a belief can be quite educational, and therefore beneficial.


.

 

[Spirit of Light]

I disagree. I believe that debunking a belief can be quite educational, and therefore beneficial.


.

What do you expect to debunk? the scriptures or the belief each person hold?

 

[Jollybear]

Depends on if you have some goal in mind to reach or if you are like me, without much of a horse in any race anymore...

What wpuld be the goal?