Should we even have a debate sub-forums on ToS? - Tree of Souls

X.,.Pandora.,.X · #1 08-22-2010, 12:54 AM

I know it's ironic, but it seems that we have been focusing on arguing recently. It's just a thought...I think it is pulling ToS apart ever so slowly...

**Woodsprite** · #2 08-22-2010, 01:21 AM

There are some arguments I don't get in. If I don't know too much on the subject, or just don't have time, I ignore it.

I do see what you're saying, but I'd like to think of the section as a place to express what we truly think about certain issues. I've gotten to know a lot of people's true colors on things through the debate section... and I'm not so regretful about it. ...Maybe with a few people, I am, but most people I've come to know and respect, even if I disagree (Spock/Ba'al is a perfect example).

Seems though, that ever since religious debating was allowed, we've been more open on debating. Now we no longer have to be afraid of a topic being locked by the moderators/administrators just for containing religious elements. The subject too often comes up in worldview discussion anyway. Not that most debates here are soley about religion (most aren't), but that no one has to be afraid to mention "god" or "I believe in..." or whatever.

That's my take on it.

Human No More · #3 08-22-2010, 01:50 AM

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the debate forum... I do still contribute there mainly just because any thread will draw me in since I look at just about every thread. I do think it just causes arguments, I know I've said things I regretted alter there before and ended up apologising, but since other people seem to want it (including other admins and mods), I'm not going to go removing it myself

X.,.Pandora.,.X · #4 08-22-2010, 02:07 AM

Im not calling for a removal, its just a thought i had in a hotel this weekend...wich is weird

Fkeu 'Awpo · #5 08-22-2010, 02:36 AM

Pretty sure someone brought this up before, a while ago. It would still be interesting to have a poll maybe, doesn't even have to be for it's removal, just to see who wants it or not, like a survey-poll.

**Isard** · #6 08-22-2010, 02:59 AM

Debate is nothing more than a structured argument.

Sonoran Na'vi · #7 08-22-2010, 03:12 AM

Even though I have disagreed with people in the debate sub-forum, I hold no personal feelings of a negative sort toward any individual. I think the personal rifts tend to be caused by arguments becoming a bit personal. People can be passionate about a subject and maybe devote a bit more emotion into arguing on that subject. When they find themselves frustrated over a argument, it could cause them to become frustrated with the person they are arguing with.

I usually find myself respecting people more so after I have had a disagreement. I think this is because even though we may disagree, we are able to do so in a respectful manner (without the need to show up the other person, attack them personally, et cetera). I haven't ran into anyone on ToS that has cause me to lose respect for them, but I have debated people on other forums (or in real life) that have done so. I find ToS a rather comfortable place to discuss various issues with people that may or may not agree with me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aihwa

Debate is nothing more than a structured argument.

Agreed. Debate is a more formal form of argumentation.

**Woodsprite** · #8 08-22-2010, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonoran Na'vi

People can be passionate about a subject and maybe devote a bit more emotion into arguing on that subject. When they find themselves frustrated over a argument, it could cause them to become frustrated with the person they are arguing with.

I find that the younger a person is, the more passionate when arguing a subject they find important to them at the time. Six years of debating taught me that. For example, had I come on this forum when I was 14, I would've probably been banned a few months ago... and my argument style was so flimsy and juvenile, and half the time I didn't fully research the facts... and sometimes I just never knew when to shut up, either.

**Advent** · #9 08-22-2010, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aihwa

Debate is nothing more than a structured argument.

And that's why we hate politicians...

josie20 · #10 08-22-2010, 03:52 AM

There should NOT be a debate thread. And whoever disagrees is WRONG!

**Woodsprite** · #11 08-22-2010, 03:56 AM

^You just brightened my whole night up.

josie20 · #12 08-22-2010, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodsprite

^You just brightened my whole night up.

Yep

**Sight Unseen** · #13 08-22-2010, 04:03 AM

Hmm... I think the debate thread is a two edged sword. I generally stay out of debate. On one side, debate is no more that a structured s***tfight, and that's the last thing I want to be a part of. On the other side, it keeps arguments from derailing the other sub-forums. (Or helps, anyway. Still happens sometimes.)

Human No More · #14 08-22-2010, 04:22 AM

Made me laugh

Spock · #15 08-22-2010, 06:24 AM

Of course we should have a debate forum. I'm sorry, did you mention that the forum is slowly being pulled apart because of argument? I didn't notice. Trust me you don't know what the meaning of Ad Hominem is.

People need to appreciate the passion that goes into debating and if you can't get around that without saying that it's tearing the fabric of the community apart then perhaps debating isn't for you. If you want to know how to defend against Ad Hominem just ask either ZenitYerkes or Myself.

I also want to add that I am glad there is still reputable turnout in the debating forum as I have been very busy and have had maybe 30%-20% of the time I used to have for debating. Good to see.