Mikah wrote:
This seems like a good place to remind people of how to debate seriously. This isn't directed at you really CockneyRebel, from what I saw you were responding to others already breaking these rules. I don't consider myself the paragon of a debater either, I break these rules sometimes too.
1. Attack the argument not the person. It's a compulsion we must all keep in check.
2. Assume your opponent is saying what they are really saying, thinking what they claim to think and not concealing a hidden agenda until proven otherwise. Breaking rule 2 often leads to breaking rule 1.
subrule: If someone calls you out for or you find yourself breaking rule 1 and 2, apologise.
3. If you make a statement you must be prepared to explain why you believe it to be true.
4. Remember that the whole point of debating is to have your views challenged, to have your opinions analysed by a fresh pair of eyes. There is little point in debating unless you are truly willing to change your views.
5. There is no shame in changing your views and if you do, say so.
Also, before we post, we should think if what we say is how we would talk to the person if they were sitting in front of us.
(not implying anyone did anything wrong)