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How To Argue - The Hierarchy of Disagreement

MedicBravo

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Joined
Jun 26, 2022
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1,718
This isn't mine and credit will be at the bottom.

Regardless of the topic, there is an effective way to argue and "agree to disagree".
There is a pyramid starting at the top from most effective to least effective.

"Point out the flaw in the central point." - Commitment to author's argument. "My body, my choice." or "God isn't real and you can't prove it.

"Finding a mistake and supporting it by quoting the author." I tend to "insert quote here" from copy/paste rather than rely on a click option. Thereby addressing parts or whole of a statement.

"Contradicting with reasoning and/or evidence, aimed at only the original statement" - Persuasiveness. Don't go off topic and point out when they do.

"Contradiction" - Stating the opposing case without supporting evidence.

"Responding to tone." - Respond to the writing not the writer. "The author sounds angry." Don't assume and make concrete "He/she is...."

"Ad Hominem" - Attacking the writer personally. There are facts and opinions and here both should be avoided. "You're an idiot." or from their beliefs and statements "You're a clueless liberal." In fact, let them do it.

"Name-calling" - Using abusive language to invoke ridicule, fear, and a weak attempt to silence and shut down any opposing POV and even try to discredit facts.


The last two are the lowest forms of argument and response. Once someone, even you, use these you've lost your stance eve with an apology. God tells us to "Be quick to listen (2 ears) and slow to anger (one brain), and slow to speak (one mouth).
Do not be hasty in your response. Think before you act. Keep your emotions in check even if you have to walk away .

Credit: From essay "How to Disagree" by Paul Graham, pg.12
 
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