11 Apr 07
I recently competed in a debate tournament of sorts, and I was forced to argue and think out the opposite side of the case. In doing so, I learned more about my side of the argument, and I became more knowledgeable at the same, too. I'm challenging anyone who would like to attempt to argue the opposite side of a position they feel strongly about. I don't have time now, but I will post a counter-argument of my own soon.
PS -- I mean this seriously as an attempt to increase awareness and openmindedness...I don't mean it as a joke thread. -Witty
12 Apr 07
Originally posted by wittywonkaI tried this in the spirituality forum before. But it went nowhere. The theists could not bring themselves to argue against the existence of god, even for the reasons you've cited. A theist makes a pretty poor devil's advocate.
I recently competed in a debate tournament of sorts, and I was forced to argue and think out the opposite side of the case. In doing so, I learned more about my side of the argument, and I became more knowledgeable at the same, too. I'm challenging anyone who would like to attempt to argue the opposite side of a position they feel strongly about. I don ...[text shortened]... attempt to increase awareness and openmindedness...I don't mean it as a joke thread. -Witty
12 Apr 07
Originally posted by wittywonkaOk, sounds nice.
I recently competed in a debate tournament of sorts, and I was forced to argue and think out the opposite side of the case. In doing so, I learned more about my side of the argument, and I became more knowledgeable at the same, too. I'm challenging anyone who would like to attempt to argue the opposite side of a position they feel strongly about. I don ...[text shortened]... attempt to increase awareness and openmindedness...I don't mean it as a joke thread. -Witty
I seriously think you are nice, smart guy... but let's do your exercise now: I consider that you are lame, boring and dumb.
Am I doing good with the exercise, wonka? 😛
12 Apr 07
Originally posted by SeitseDoing "good"??? You mean as in 'good works', like helping a blind lady cross the road, or feeding the hungry???
Ok, sounds nice.
I seriously think you are nice, smart guy... but let's do your exercise now: [b]I consider that you are lame, boring and dumb.
Am I doing good with the exercise, wonka? 😛[/b]
I think you mean "Am I doing 'well'...?"
12 Apr 07
Originally posted by kmax87Even given these qualities, you are merely arguing for the sake of arguing, whetting your rhetorical Bowie knife on a convenient grindstone. You can't approach critical objectivity unless you actually believe what you don't believe. A form of hypnosis may be required, plus some recording equipment.
I think it is possible to argue the opposite of what you actually believe, but it requires maturity, and a measure of experience and intelligence.
Experiment: Debate Yourself
1. Opening remarks (pro
2. Hypnosis, followed by opening remarks (contra).
3. Play step 2 recording, respond.
4. etc