Inspired by a thread: Why do you debate?

[OceanAnnie]

Just curious. Do you debate to win, debate to get your point across, debate points in general or a little of everything?

Poll coming ---

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Online or in RL?

 

[OceanAnnie]

Online or in RL?

Sorry, online.

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

Crap. I was voting "other" because I get paid to do it, but that's only in the real world.

 

[Mrs.Toad]

I said a little bit of everything. I like to learn more about other people's points of view, and having to defend my own point of view requires me to really examine it.

I never really expect to "win" a debate, because usually the people debating a subject are the ones that are the most passionate about it, and probably very set in their thinking. I do hope to win over some fence-sitters that may be lurking on a thread, probably not participating, but reading to hear both sides and form their own conclusions.

I have changed my mind on some issues due to points brought up in debate that I hadn't previously considered, so I think it's a very worthwhile activity.

 

[Ceila]

I enjoy a good debate (online and IRL), but I only engage if I actually care about the topic. I have read posts from many people on here who I believe feel the same way.

However, I am finding that are clearly others here who only try to win, regardless of whether they have a rational argument or not. Then they resort to deflection, bringing in irrelevant points, etc.

 

[OceanAnnie]

Crap. I was voting "other" because I get paid to do it, but that's only in the real world.

Sorry, what would you have put for online?

I said a little bit of everything. I like to learn more about other people's points of view, and having to defend my own point of view requires me to really examine it.

I never really expect to "win" a debate, because usually the people debating a subject are the ones that are the most passionate about it, and probably very set in their thinking. I do hope to win over some fence-sitters that may be lurking on a thread, probably not participating, but reading to hear both sides and form their own conclusions.

I have changed my mind on some issues due to points brought up in debate that I hadn't previously considered, so I think it's a very worthwhile activity.

I think it is too. Often times I read about something I hadn't considered or had had experience with. Debate does impact how you view things. It might not always move me to change my mind, but it can give me pause, make me re-think, and maybe shift some.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I enjoy a good debate (online and IRL), but I only engage if I actually care about the topic. I have read posts from many people on here who I believe feel the same way.

However, I am finding that are clearly others here who only try to win, regardless of whether they have a rational argument or not. Then they resort to deflection, bringing in irrelevant points, etc.

Me too.

 

[AshleyW]

I voted "because I can".

Most of the time I don't really care one way or the other, I just like to argue.. and DF will agree with me on that.

 

[Ceila]

I voted "because I can".

Most of the time I don't really care one way or the other, I just like to argue.. and DF will agree with me on that.

At least you're honest!

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

Sorry, what would you have put for online?

A little of everything.

 

[MomRN]

There a only a few topics I really care enough about to debate, and usually it's because I don't understand the other person's view, no matter how hard I try. I'm afraid if I mention those examples, it will start a debate in itself, so I won't go there. Let's just say I'm pretty much for individual rights, and as long as what you do doesn't effect anyone else in a harmful way, than there should be that right to do it. If you are anti- whatever, then I want to know why you feel it effects you personally and see if I can admit your anti-X just because you don't like it.

There's lots of things I don't like. Doesn't mean it should be illegal.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

I sometimes pick a side opposite my real world view online to examine my own beliefs. But, in most cases, I simply debate because I enjoy it.

 

[OceanAnnie]

Thanks everybody. I think it's interesting to see everyone's views even on the topic of debating.

 

[*DisDude]

I never really expect to "win" a debate, because usually the people debating a subject are the ones that are the most passionate about it, and probably very set in their thinking. I do hope to win over some fence-sitters that may be lurking on a thread, probably not participating, but reading to hear both sides and form their own conclusions.

Well, we agree with this much.

A little bit of everything but mostly because I want to get some points across and moreover, I care about the issue(s).

 

[NikitaZee]

I also voted for 'a little of everything'. Generally, I'll voice my opinion if I care about the issue or if I have knowledge that might be useful or helpful. Sometimes, though, I read debates online purely out of curiosity and end up jumping in when a poster says something that makes me just have to respond. I'm another one who likes a good argument every now and then.

 

[MerMom60_94]

I chose "other" because I hate debating. Sometimes I will naively post my personal opinion on something not realizing what I am stepping into. If I see an all out debate coming on I will usually refrain from posting because my opinion is my opinion based on my experiences and my perspectives and nothing more. I have an older brother who loves a good debate and he will try to engage others by making incendiary statements. Right now, my oldest sister wants nothing to do with him and I have avoided going on line to chat and catch up with him until I can muster a little more energy to do so. I keep thinking I should introduce him to the Disboards CB. He'd love this crowd!

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Wait - Where is the option, "To get jumped on for offering a different perspective"?

 

[Ceila]

Wait - Where is the option, "To get jumped on for offering a different perspective"?

It's right next to "To inject completely pointless arguments into a previously rational discussion."

 

[OceanAnnie]

I chose "other" because I hate debating. Sometimes I will naively post my personal opinion on something not realizing what I am stepping into. If I see an all out debate coming on I will usually refrain from posting because my opinion is my opinion based on my experiences and my perspectives and nothing more. I have an older brother who loves a good debate and he will try to engage others by making incendiary statements. Right now, my oldest sister wants nothing to do with him and I have avoided going on line to chat and catch up with him until I can muster a little more energy to do so. I keep thinking I should introduce him to the Disboards CB. He'd love this crowd!

I read the debate threads much more than I participate in them.