The Purpose of Debate

[Paprika]

I want to make a correction to my previous reply. If the person who portrayed my as debating only for the sake of winning was someone who I knew was probably doing it with ill/dishonest intentions I would probably have reacted in the way you did.

I am gratified to hear that.

But when it comes to someone like CP, who I have a hard time attributing dishonest intentions too, I would be a lot more cautious with being antagonistic.

Again, what makes you think this was my first step?

[JonathanL]

You said earlier that "[you] would correct them without stirring up a truckload of drama". I tried that. It didn't work

Noted.

But CP has already acknowledged your own clarification of your standpoint in this post: http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/sh...ll=1#post61483

What more are you asking for?

[JonathanL]

Again, what makes you think this was my first step?

I don't think I have said anything to justify your assumption that I thought this was your first step in dealing with this matter.

[Paprika]

Noted.

But CP has already acknowledged your own clarification of your standpoint in this post: http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/sh...ll=1#post61483

What more are you asking for?

Have I asked for more? After he made that post I've only exchanged shots with you and Sparko.

[Cow Poke]

Have I asked for more? After he made that post I've only exchanged shots with you and Sparko.

So, the drama can be dialed down now?

[Paprika]

So, the drama can be dialed down now?

If no one else is going to jump in to attack me, sure.

[Cow Poke]

Noted.

But CP has already acknowledged your own clarification of your standpoint in this post: http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/sh...ll=1#post61483

What more are you asking for?

And very EARLY in the thread (I know I'm going to regret this ) Robrecht made an EXCELLENT point, to which I agreed!

Actually, the proper practice of debate, even in high school, should require the debators to argue both sides of an issue so that they learn the strengths, weakness, presuppositions, and consequences of both positions. If one can win both sides of a debate, it says more about one's abilities, and the opponent's lack thereof, than the truth of the proposition being debated. Debates are about rhetorical skill, not necessarily about truth, let alone divine truth which surpasses our verbal abilities.

OK, so do you think "Tweb Debate" is more like the "classic" debate where one is only interested in "winning"? And, as I said, it's possible this is true... I just never thought of it this way because.... well..... I see so little "classic" debate here. It usually bogs down into "you're stupid, no, you're a dummy, ok, idiot, yeah, poopiehead*..."





*with regards to Sparko or Rogue, "poopiehead" should always be taken as a term of endearment when used by me

[JonathanL]

If no one else is going to jump in merely to attack me, sure.

You think that's what I'm doing?

[Cow Poke]

If no one else is going to jump in to attack me, sure.

Can you please substantiate the claim (if, indeed, you're still making it) that I "attacked" you?

Thanks

Here's my quote from my OP:

OK, I'm curious....

In Shoutbox, Pap said "debate to me has always been about win at all costs"

That sounds kinda brutal to me, but it MAY be the prevailing attitude toward debate on Tweb -- I honestly don't know.

What part of that can be construed as an "attack"?

[Paprika]

You think that's what I'm doing?

Pray tell, what were you doing?

[JonathanL]

Pray tell, what were you doing?

I responded to your post before you were able to remove the word "merely". After removing it my reply to it isn't nearly as relevant anymore. Before the edit it sounded like you were accusing me of going after you because I had something against you personally, or as some sort of entertainment.

But I'll humour you with a reply anyway. I was asking you to tone down on the needless antagonism and drama and to stop accusing CP of personal attacks.

[Sparko]

OK everyone, let's just admit that Paprika won this debate about him not actually thinking debate is about winning at all costs. Agreed?

[robrecht]

And very EARLY in the thread (I know I'm going to regret this ) Robrecht made an EXCELLENT point, to which I agreed!

One should never regret agreeing with me. We all make mistakes.

[robrecht]

So, the drama can be dialed down now?

No it must be increased to a feverish pitch. I want more drama!

[Sparko]

One should never regret agreeing with me. We all make mistakes.

I agree.