Arguments are a rational form of conversation . They are not to be confused with quarreling . The object of an argument is to get to the truth as much as possible , to get to reasonable conclusions , accepted by both or all parties .
While on the other hand , the object of quarreling is to get at other people by mostly bullying and bossing the weaker part .
What should move us all in a sound argument is its sound intellectual substance , the ideas and their interconnections , and not whatever emotional vibes the argument may carry with it. A conclusion should be accepted not only because we feel good about it , but because we see that it is true and convincing , therefore worthy of our acceptance and understanding .
It is sometimes too easy to be governed by our emotions in our reasoning , that arguments become primarily a means of venting and releasing our anger and frustrations , or of proving and defending ourselves , or of getting even , and or , of simply scoring points for the sake of our self aggrandizement and our psychological well being . Hence the truth is relegated to an unimportant and totally dispensable status .
In the ideal argument , the primary purpose of the debaters is not , and should not be to triumph over each other , nor to continually strive to boss the others , but rather and by their combined efforts and good will , to reach out to the truth as it relates to the issues being argued . As for winning at all costs ??
"" At all costs , is really a high price no one can afford .""
There are any number of people who , though happy to quarrel with you , are either unwilling or simply unable , incapable of arguing with you . We should not waste time and energy trying to reason and argue with people who will not or cannot argue .
As usual my gratitude to you all for your time and patience .
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