We've seen some controversial topics recently, and I really think they can be fun to discuss. However, as I've seen, the more controversial a topic, the more likely it is that flames start spreading. I don't think this anyone intends for this to happen -- we just eventually end up at a point where things have gone a little too far.
So let's discuss some things that could help with debates. I'll post my opinions about what could help keep the most controversial debate orderly and positive; feel free to disagree or add your own ideas after this. I'll admit that I have a very idealized view of debating, and I highly doubt it's perfect. However, it might help others.
1. The point of debateWe've all seen politicians going at each other's throats on television. They often call these things "debates", but from my point of view, they're simply organized slap-fests. Philosophers, however, think about things differently. From the way I see it,
debates are meant to bring two people with differing opinions to a middle ground. In other words, a debate cannot be effective if each person is uber-determined to keep their own opinion -- rather, all parties must be able to see why the opposition would see things the way they see them.
Think of it this way -- a debate is to gain information, not to teach something to someone else.
2. Attitudes within debatesIf a debate is meant to gain information rather than teaching someone else, sharing new information becomes more of
an exercise to organize your arguments, making sense of your thoughts and feelings. Often times, we do have opinions about things, but it's hard to completely make sense of everything we feel and think. By writing them down, we actually learn a lot more about our own opinions. More than once, I've written something than completely realized I didn't believe it at all.
What if people attack you? Unfortunately, they probably do not understand the purpose of debate. Try reading their post without a voice (or with a robot voice) -- perhaps the post is actually calmer than the first time you read it. While emotions are important in discussions, discussing emotional outbursts only causes problems. It's okay to talk about emotions, but only information should be debated.
What if I strongly disagree with what someone else believes? It's okay to disagree. However, there's a reason the other person thinks the way they do. Before arguing against it,
try to understand why they think that way. Type it out and present it -- this will show that you are trying to understand it. After trying to understand, you have every right to show evidence against that stance. By doing that, you will have learned why someone else believes differently and found a way to word your own thoughts.
3. Things to avoid in debatesWe've already talked about emotions, but there are other things that can be dangerous in debates. Generally, these things cause people to get upset and the whole debate derailed. Most have to deal with
logical fallacies.
Assuming. Assumptions are really, really dangerous. Take for example:
Statement -- I don't support gay marriage.
Assumption -- That person is religious.
By making that assumption, the second person automatically forgets any other arguments and turns the whole thing into a religious debate. The first person might not be religious at all.
If you don't understand why someone posts what they post or why someone would believe what they believe, it's generally best to ask questions. Instead of arguing about religion as was seen above, the person could have asked, "Why don't you support it?" This would have helped the second person know what the actual reasons were, helping them both reach more of a middle ground. Remember, understanding the other person is much more important than convincing them of what you think.
Attacking a person's character. Talking about the person behind the argument is never useful -- it means that you aren't listening to what they say, and it makes them much less likely to listen to you. Generally, we don't mean to do that, but occasionally something can slip out. One way to avoid that is to read your post as if you were the other person and seeing if they would be offended -- if so, your post may need to be changed.
The word
"hypocrite" is very dangerous. Just because a person smokes doesn't mean they can't believe that smoking is bad. Calling that person a "hypocrite" will keep them from sharing information that could be very helpful to reaching a conclusion.
Harsh reprimands. Doing this will attack a person's character, not the argument. If there is a hole in what they are saying, it's either appropriate to ask questions about it or carefully bring it up. It's okay to argue against something as long as you have sufficient evidence to back it up. If you don't, you should mention that you don't (it's much better to be honest about somewhat-weak arguments than pretend there's info backing you up).
I believe that following these things will cause debates to be much more productive. It's possible that you will end up debating with someone who doesn't follow these ideas; even so, you'll be able to have a much more productive debate.
Anyway, go for it, guys. What makes a productive debate?
