I somehow landed on a contentious website the other day and had a look at some of the discussions there.
It was quite interesting to see people debating a point on this website while the owner does not respond or possibly is not even following the discussion. One thing that came out though is that some of the debaters
does not know the basic ethics of debating
As I always content : You have the right to your opinion even if it is wrong ( in my opinion ) And you have the right to state it. The present government with its blame shifting on Apartheid for everything is a good example
My basic Rule nr 1.
Debate the point - play the ball , not the man. If you do not like the other person's viewpoint don't get involved. DO NOT START CALLING THEM NAMES. Do not be defamatory. This actually places you at the lowest level in the argument. It tells the other person you are not worthy to debate with.
This happens a lot when people debate politics and religion. If you differ from the other person make your point. Do not be irrational - making points not proven is an example. Accepting so called facts where the evidence is not obvious is also a point in question. A recent article by a preacher on the creation in a newspaper is a very good example. He accepts the so-called evidence of certain scientists as absolute evidence. No questions asked. Even to the extent that he says : One cannot understand why people does not accept this ? Who is the one he is talking about. It is like talking to me and keep on asking the question:
"Of course you agree with me, don't you" This is irrational in my books.
Who are most prone to being irrational : Atheists, Some Christians, SomeVegetarians ,
Why do I say this ? They think they have a point but do not know what it is. They believe they are right without being able to say why or being prepared to listen - By the way you have 2 ears and one mouth.
You cannot get involved in a debate without being prepared to listen and to speak - Just make sense when you do.
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