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Best debate rules?

Best debate rules?

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This post has 11 Replies | 7 Followers

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Sage Posted: Mon, Jul 7 2008 10:57 AM

If you could organize a debate where the debaters had to follow the rules, what rules would you make?

I think the best rules would be: 1 - Define all terms 2 - Answer all questions 3 - Standardized arguments (prose optional)

Standardizing means numbering the statements, writing them out in clear, simple language, and putting them in a logical order - premises before conclusion.

Thoughts?


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wombatron replied on Mon, Jul 7 2008 12:11 PM

Sounds good to me.  Now that we can create groups, someone who is willing to moderate could create a "Debate Group" or a "Fight Club" (Smile), which would be easier than having the debate on the main forums.

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Morty replied on Mon, Jul 7 2008 1:03 PM

I would add: 4 - begin with a relevant premise in common.

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Jon Irenicus replied on Mon, Jul 7 2008 5:31 PM

I have only one: admit that I'm right. It'll save a lot of time.

-Jon

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wombatron replied on Mon, Jul 7 2008 5:47 PM

Jon Irenicus:

I have only one: admit that I'm right. It'll save a lot of time.

-Jon

lol

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MacFall replied on Tue, Jul 8 2008 8:56 PM

Morty:

I would add: 4 - begin with a relevant premise in common.

This, and: 5 - Require further definitions of terms upon request.

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jmw replied on Thu, Jul 17 2008 4:58 PM

I highly recommend throwing in Carl Sagan's baloney detection kit. It's essentially a list of logical fallacies and errors to look for.

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wombatron replied on Thu, Jul 17 2008 5:02 PM

Thanks!  I'll put that link in the group.

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solos replied on Fri, Jul 18 2008 5:48 AM

Where do people learn these latin words to describe arguments?

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Torsten replied on Fri, Jul 18 2008 6:46 AM

solos:

Where do people learn these latin words to describe arguments?

They are most likely quoting from their handbooks on logic. Don't know, if they do really understand what they are talking about.

Anyway. First thing in a debate one should decide on the mode. Is it a constructive debate or is it a polemical debate? Differents sets of rules may apply.

What should be avoided is stuff like malicious deconstructing and people should at least try to understand what the other party wants to say,

 

commodities

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solos replied on Fri, Jul 18 2008 8:14 AM

delete

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Jon Irenicus replied on Fri, Jul 18 2008 10:33 AM

I don't know about others, but I learn them from philosophy books I read, and occassionally economics ones. And I do know how to use them. Smile

-Jon

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