Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
argument...
- it is something one side presents; a superior stance - an exercise in singular oppositional persuasion to get the other side to agree to a certain conclusion - the goal is to determine the loser and the winner of the argument, to prove that conclusion
``I think that, therefore I will prove to you that I am correct by saying this.''
discussion...
- it allows a presentation of more than one side; an equal stance - an exercise in acknowledging and considering multiple viewpoints to reach a joint or multiple conclusions - the goal is to understand there is no loser to the discussion; all win by expanding their own perspectives
``I think that, therefore I will say this, but am also willing to hear what you think as well, without the need to prove anything.''
As long as we maintain an oppositional approach to problem solving~ we will always be at war with someone or something.
...
Of course this is only my opinion and I am always willing to discuss it.
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
-
I find that arguments stem more from a first impression, attraction (or maybe from emotional desire) and discussions sprout more from an exploration of what many different experts have explored regarding the topic at hand.
Thinking back to my school days, I far preferred listening to a speech or presentation rather than to a debate, where someone was trying to pound someone else. I usually thought debaters on both sides had good points.
posted
OK - but what if there is a civil discourse were viewpoints are exchanged that are mutually exclusive? In that case, at least one viewpoint is wrong, but interestingly enough that does not mean the opposing viewpoint is necessarily correct.
Posts: 263 | From Capital Region, NY, USA | Registered: Jun 2008
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
"In that case, at least one viewpoint is wrong, but interestingly enough that does not mean the opposing viewpoint is necessarily correct."
The notion that one viewpoint must be wrong...is only another perspective. I find that many times, there is some truth to each viewpoint, depending on where you stand.
The mistake we make is in thinking that everything is either right or wrong, good or bad, black or white... when there are always so many varying shades of grey.
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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