User blog:VeryUnknownFan/Difference between a debate and an argument

Well, these past 5 months have been hectic to say the least, and that has been because of the catastrophe of TDAS and the overall disappointment in the fandom. This has shown in the comments and the debates/arguments that often happen here. More often than not, they turn into arguments, and I know I have been guilty of this too.

To state the difference between an argument and a debate,

Debate is a formal method of interactive and representational argument. Debate is a broader form of argument than logical argument, which only examines consistency from axiom, and factual argument, which only examines what is or isn't the case or rhetoric which is a technique of persuasion. Though logical consistency, factual accuracy and some degree of emotional appeal to the audience are important elements of the art of persuasion, in debating, one side often prevails over the other side by presenting a superior "context" and/or framework of the issue, which is far more subtle and strategic.

What this mean is two or more people having an intellectual conversation. It is practically discussing more than fighting over 2 different opinions. This is by doing so respectfully. Certain points will be considered and made, and you come up with a strong point. Eventually, there is a closing statement, or we agree to disagree with closing statements. THIS is what we need to do.

Argue on wikipedia:

In philosophy and logic, an argument is an attempt to persuade someone of something, by giving reasons or evidence for accepting a particular conclusion.[1][2] The general structure of an argument in a natural language is that of premises (typically in the form of propositions, statements or sentences) in support of a claim: the conclusion.[3][4][5] Many arguments can also be formulated in a formal language. An argument in a formal language shows the logical form of the natural language arguments obtained by its interpretations.

An argument is similar as to a debate, as it is trying to prove a point, and for a conclusion from another. It is not two people discussing their differing opinion on something, but they involve more personal and less professional responses. If the definitions are a bit too vague and confusing...

Debate:

More formal More intellectual Normally concerns factual events, or theories Concerned with persuading the opposing party to an alternate viewpoint To argue however is not the same as an arguement. Nor is the logical definition of 'argue' the same as what is commonly referred in public. One can argue the case of XYZ say in law or physics, or one can argue on the street ( in which case bickering would be a more appropriate word ).

Arguments are thus:

Informal Usually personal, though not always Not always concerned with the factual correctness Can be about things both parties are aware of, thus no opposing viewpoints, e.g. a row between a man and wife who have cheated on each other, would not be a debate, as they are both aware and agree that adultery took place. In most of the cases of 'arguments', one could substitute another word such as row, tiff, bickering, and various other words. Where debate is concerned, one could use the word arguement, but not words such as row or bicker.

For example Alice had an arguement with Bob where she accused him of paranoia, would not be considered a debate. Here Alice argues the point that Bob has paranoia. One can argue at a debate, and an argument, but an arguement is not a debate.

So, what is the point of bringing this up? Well things have been getting tense these last few months, and we are all trying to debate like mature people. But for the most part, they turn personal and become a full on argument. A debate is a type of argument, but a mature, factual one. We use quotes the characters are saying from the show, and that is good. An actual argument (a type of arguing) is throwing a bunch of opinionated accusations which very quickly turn personal.

Arguments are almost NEVER mature and quickly leads off topic, which does not happen with debates. Many of us have said and thrown accusations after accusations at the USERS. Another thing between a debate and an argument is that with debates, they know WHEN TO END, which many of us here have an issue with. Because of this, these debates turn into arguments and the arguments to ON AND ON AND ON AND ON.

People are thinking about leaving the club because of the toxic behaviour. As a club, we need to know when to END certain discussions, and I am guilty of ALL of this. I know you all are upset with the latest seasons, upset with what happened to certain characters. But we need to remember that at the end of the day, WE DO NOT KNOW ONE ANOTHER and we all have the common interest of the show. Many of us have noticed the less debates and more fights. We NEED to learn how to debate again, learn when to end conversations, and just to be respectful of one another again. I hope this post puts us on common ground that we all need to improve, so the atmosphere can get lighter and people can feel comfortable again.

Debate has method. Argument does not necessarily. Which one do you want to have?