How To Be Right: In a World Gone Wrong

Intro: Arguments & Debates

An argument is usually informal, unplanned, and can get heated. Arguments can be verbal, audio, visual, in questions and statements, or formal writing and casual conversation. The purpose of an argument is to change or persuade people's points of view, or to persuade people to a particular action or new behavior. Arguments occur more often in our lives and because they are unplanned, you can engage in them with anyone. Furthermore, because they can be between a range of people, and the more people who engage in the argument the more heated it can get. However, sometimes there is a clear majority, allowing you to see if you are outnumbered or supported by the majority. No matter the setting, it is still imperative that you can persuade your opponents and win.

A debate is a formal, deliberate contest that follows specific rules. Debates use arguments, but the main purpose of a discussion is to show multiple sides of important issues, whether for informational purposes or to lead to a decision. Debates often have a moderator and an audience. The main goal of a debate is to grant an equal opportunity for both teams to present their case. Here the goal changes from winning against your opponent to concluding that benefits both parties or is what the two parties view as the best perception of the truth. It is much more difficult to win a debate because of the rules and its deliberate nature means you can prepare your points, but so can the other party. Moreso, winning in a discourse is a more abstract idea and while basic speaking skills can go a long way in an argument, they are basic etiquette of a discussion.