942 Debate Warnings

<p>Real debating, not that namby-pamby fluff in high school, is not for the faint-of-heart; the requirements are thick skin, controlled anger, and the optimism that you will eventually prevail, or at least exit the fray with your honor & reputation intact. Here are some things to be warned of:</p> <ul> <li> <p>First, avoid staged debates against people whose main tactic is one of accusation, belittlement, scorn, and dismissiveness. If one of these people interrupt a positive debate, ignore them; certainly don’t respond to them, thereby surrendering control of the discussion. If they get abusive, pointedly ask them to leave. If they won’t go away, Block them. In the worst possible case where the interloper has co-opted all productive discussion, discontinue your participation.</p> </li> <li> <p>One-on-one debating with a weak or ill-prepared opponent might seem like it would result in an easy victory, but if the opponent finds an accomplice that also insists the world is flat, then no amount of logical discussion will dissuade them, and even more Flat-Earthers will brigade you; leave the debate.</p> </li> <li> <p>Some people debate as if their words have value on their own accord, with no factual evidence or personal authority. These folks claim "common sense,” or age, or some kind of inborn special knowledge, and they are oblivious to how pedestrian their arguments sound to other people; it's the difference between a pontificator and debater; the solution is to leave the debate.</p> </li> <li> <p>And if you are making an ass of yourself, leave the debate.</p> </li> </ul> <p>Am I making my point here...?</p>