A Guide to Debate

[Sar]

Just to whip up a few really good pointers when you want to debate. I'll post examples if I can to try and clarify what I mean.

1. If you don't like something, don't insult people, objects, ideas, or anything of that nature. Yes I am aware people do not like certain things, but try to state it nicely and friendly about it.

Incorrect example: I hate the Apple iPod cause of the crummy battery!

Correct example: One of the reasons why I do not prefer the iPod is because of its low quality Li-Ion (technically Li-Po) battery. Also reinforced by the fact Apple seals off the casing, so you must ship it back to get the battery replaced which costs more money than what is needed.

2. On really controversial topics that often have no resolve, such as politics and religion, try to realize people have their own views about it. Don't bash them on what they think is true.

3. Try to base your ideas on reason, not because you say so or cause you don't understand or know how to use it.

Incorrect example: Vista is no good because it BSoDs all the time and is stupid to put all that gunk on the hard drive, especially this useless crap!

Correct example: I wasn't really lucky when I got my Vista machine. I don't recommend getting it right now because not all of the hardware bugs have been ironed out, or probably I haven't gotten used to all of the new features to use them properly.

4. Speak for yourself, only add other people to the argument if they agree with or support your point.

Incorrect example: Well there are thousands of people who won't use Vista because the OS eats too much space. (And who is this person talking about to begin with?)

Correct example: A lot of people on these tech forums or -insert publication here- don't like the new OS because of its high system requirements. I can't blame them for it.

5. Try to use the English language as best as you can. Nothing hurts credibility more than speaking poorly, because it just doesn't look professional and some might not believe you.

6. When stating facts from other sources, try to cite the source by name. Also state what you believe, not someone else's idea.

7. We are all different, don't expect people to understand everything you do, and don't bash others because they don't perform to your standards or follow your ideas.

Incorrect example: This is crap because the designer is an idiot, I can design better than him!

Correct example: Well it isn't the best it could be, maybe if you change something here and there...

Finally, try to not let this get too hot. This is only a forum, and don't give yourself a heart attack with a debate. Sometimes it is best to let things go. It also takes two people to debate, and there is no obligation to reply to a thread.

If you have any suggestions or corrections, feel free to do so. I prefer not having mods lock this for us to improve on.

[Viral]

Stickied.


8. Don't use logical fallacies, or J. A. Kossler will cry.

Ad Hominem: against the man
# Person A makes claim X.
# Person B makes an attack on person A.
# Therefore A's claim is false.

Appeal to Authority
# Person A is (claimed to be) an authority on subject S.
# Person A makes claim C about subject S.
# Therefore, C is true.

Appeal to Belief
# Most people believe that a claim, X, is true.
# Therefore X is true.

Appeal to Common Action
# X is a common action.
# Therefore X is correct/moral/justified/reasonable, etc.

Appeal to Emotion
# Favorable emotions are associated with X.
# Therefore, X is true.

Appeal to Fear
# Y is presented (a claim that is intended to produce fear).
# Therefore claim X is true (a claim that is generally, but need not be, related to Y in some manner).

Appeal to Flattery
# Person A is flattered by person B.
# Person B makes claim X.
# Therefore X is true.

Appeal to Novelty
# X is new.
# Therefore X is correct or better.

Appeal to pity
# P is presented, with the intent to create pity.
# Therefore claim C is true.

Appeal to Popularity
# Most people approve of X (have favorable emotions towards X).
# Therefore X is true.

And so forth.

[Sar]

9. Don't switch topics in the middle of the debate abruptly. It's OK to slowly lead into a different topic as long as it relates to the debate.

10. Try to note if you want to look at one fact without looking at all the others or if you're using sarcasm.

Some people like to look at the entire thread when building up facts about something, and it somewhat bothers me when a person drops everything in a middle of a debate. Using "Reread my post" is something I plan to never do on a debate.

60% of all communication is non-verbal, so I have to rely on word choice when you're posting.