Argumentation is often viewed as something to be avoided. When we engage in it it can be perceived as downright offensive. But without argumentation how can we understand the position of those who think differently than we do? How can we pick the views we find most credible when we do not know the full spectrum of available positions? I have spent a good portion of my education studying argumentation and make no mistake, losing - which still happens - is unpleasant and wining is pleasant. For this reason we often decide not to risk it and avoid arguments. But here is some advice: if you think you will lose, have the courage to engage in that argument. If you lose, you will learn something useful which in turn could give you insight into a whole new way of thinking. If someone does have the stronger position give it fair consideration and admit it is correct. If you have the stronger position, do not be arrogant about it and do not make it personal.
Often arguments will end with just a clarification and the two sides will recognize that they subscribe to incompatible first principles which lead to different conclusions. Still the practice is good. “But it feels horrible if I lose!” So what? Is it better to continue holding incorrect beliefs just for the sake of appearing invincible? Who are these people whose opinions you value more than your ideological soundness? Is it not in your best interest to always strengthen your ideology by changing it when it is incorrect? “But it still feels bad!” Many things that are good for us feel bad. Human nature includes many foolish attributes, arising in large part because we evolved to live very different lives than the ones we live in our civilised world. There are great rewards for those who can recognize the beneficial actions that are at odds with our nature (and therefore are unpleasant) but have the strength and courage to do them anyway. That is virtue. “But it still feels bad!” Oh shut up!
As with any other skill, practice is necessary for improvement. If you avoid argumentation you will not improve and you will not strengthen your ideology and grow as a person. In addition to practice theoretical foundations are also important. If you are in collage take some reasoning courses, and maybe a formal logic course. If you want professional practice, analytic philosophy courses are unbeatable. Although, they can seem dry compared to philosophy which deals with practical aspects of life they are unbeatable at teaching you how to reason properly. Then, when you get to the practical aspects of philosophy you will be extremely well prepared from a rational perspective. Even if you are not in university you can still benefit from reading a college text on reasoning/critical thinking. Here is one I am sure there are many more.
Being able to question anything is the most sacred tenet of our Western tradition. It has led us from the dark ages to our modern world. We cannot abandon it now because it does not feel good.
That’s enough philosophy for me tonight. I get philosophical when it’s past my bed time. Good night!
Often arguments will end with just a clarification and the two sides will recognize that they subscribe to incompatible first principles which lead to different conclusions. Still the practice is good. “But it feels horrible if I lose!” So what? Is it better to continue holding incorrect beliefs just for the sake of appearing invincible? Who are these people whose opinions you value more than your ideological soundness? Is it not in your best interest to always strengthen your ideology by changing it when it is incorrect? “But it still feels bad!” Many things that are good for us feel bad. Human nature includes many foolish attributes, arising in large part because we evolved to live very different lives than the ones we live in our civilised world. There are great rewards for those who can recognize the beneficial actions that are at odds with our nature (and therefore are unpleasant) but have the strength and courage to do them anyway. That is virtue. “But it still feels bad!” Oh shut up!
As with any other skill, practice is necessary for improvement. If you avoid argumentation you will not improve and you will not strengthen your ideology and grow as a person. In addition to practice theoretical foundations are also important. If you are in collage take some reasoning courses, and maybe a formal logic course. If you want professional practice, analytic philosophy courses are unbeatable. Although, they can seem dry compared to philosophy which deals with practical aspects of life they are unbeatable at teaching you how to reason properly. Then, when you get to the practical aspects of philosophy you will be extremely well prepared from a rational perspective. Even if you are not in university you can still benefit from reading a college text on reasoning/critical thinking. Here is one I am sure there are many more.
Being able to question anything is the most sacred tenet of our Western tradition. It has led us from the dark ages to our modern world. We cannot abandon it now because it does not feel good.
That’s enough philosophy for me tonight. I get philosophical when it’s past my bed time. Good night!
