Arguing Past One Another
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James Joyner | Wednesday, March 26, 2008 |
Megan McArdle has posted her semi-annual essay explaining that, if you want to persuade people with your arguments, you should probably refrain from calling them names and starting from the premise that they are evil, stupid, or both. I’ve written a handful of those myself, at least once or twice building from one of Megan’s.
I predict, alas, that this one will have a similar impact on the debate.
About the Author: James Joyner is the publisher of Outside the Beltway and the managing editor of the Atlantic Council. He's a former Army officer, Desert Storm vet, and college professor with a PhD in political science from The University of Alabama. He lives just outside the Beltway in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife and infant daughter.
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That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard.
I predict, alas, that this one will have a similar impact on the debate.
Only because everybody who doesn't listen is evil and stupid.
On a lot of posts I don't see comments as true attempts to persuade others. At best they are usually attempts to clarify ones position, even tho' others will probably never concur. At worst, they are onesupmanship in name calling and derogatory remarks.
I've noticed using your real and full name helps maintain your own civility.
There are many intentions behind post including expressing one’s feelings, receiving confirmation on one’s thought, to persuade or to enlighten. I will often argue as much against the process that someone uses to come up with a conclusion than their conclusion itself.
That said I believe the intent of many in an argument is to persuade but they end up personalizing it so much that they end doing more harm then good. People tend to get more entrench when others insult them.
Only because everybody who doesn’t listen is evil and stupid.
No it's cause your evil stupid and don't listen.
lol, really I think most of you are very smart but misguided but thats what you where expecting so.....
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