The Way To Debate- Subjectivity and Objectivity.

[Mune]

The other two sticky-threads are brilliant guidelines for debate. However, I would personally like to add this point- As a few people seem to misunderstand the idea of subjectivity.

Just to clarify- If you're going to make a point based off of an opinion, that you're completely aware is not *seen the same from all angles*, then add an *In my opinion* to the front, if you can. This stops any flame-wars or attacks starting.

It is also within one's best interests to give a source for your statement, so that you can say you've a reason to say what you have.

So, for example.

Badly written-

- No, the fastest car in the world is 341 mph....

Well written-

- From what I've researched, the fastest car in the world is 341 mph. Here's where I got that from; (Your Link Goes Here)

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As hard, and tedious as it sounds- It'd also be really appreciated if you acknowledge that your opinion is not fact.

You can do this by... Let's just say that I'm debating space travel.

Badly written-

- No, where the hell did you get that information? We'll be in space by 2159.
- Our race is going to have died long before we get into space.
- We've got no chance of getting into space, I don't know why we don't just give up.

Well written- [Fixed versions of the badly written sentences]

- It's my opinion that we'll be in space by 2159. Avatar, although a fictional movie- Does seem quite realistic to me. I believe it'll be a while before we get our technology as far as anti-matter generators- Thus interstellar space-travel.

- I, personally think that our race will have died before we even make it into space. When you do some research upon how badly our planet is being impacted at the moment by us- One really does begin to see, (Or well, I can only speak for myself) that we are a race not ready for this. We need to conquer our own problems here on Earth first.

- I don't believe we've much chance of making it off this planet. It's my opinion that with such acute conditions in order for humans to survive out there- We just simply can't be bothered. Once again, just my opinion- With all the fund-cuts, [Www.UseASourceHere.com] like those, I really don't even believe space-travel should be in our priorities list. As with all of these problems currently on Earth present- I don't think we're going anywhere.

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Anyway- That's just my *two-cents*- Just remember- If it's your opinion, ensure that you make that obvious to people. And, just in case some here genuinely don't know the difference between an objective and subjective statement, here's an example of each.

Objective: From scientific observation, and on scientific grounds; our body is made of thousands upon thousands of cells.

Subjective: Minestrone soup tastes amazing.




Mune

[Woodsprite]

Excellent guideline... I use it everyday. It's very important (especially when debating) to choose your words wisely, or else you'll find yourself stuck in a corner the majority of the time.

[Spock]

Brilliant.

[James of terra]

I like these guildlines, impressive.

[Sothis]

Well said. For a more peaceful forum, I think we should all check ourselves against these guidelines before hitting "submit reply." Just pretend that Mune is reading over your shoulder, frowning slightly in concentration. :-p

[Stanley_9875]

Not really into debating but great guidelines for when I do get in those accidental spots =D