Arguments vs. Discourse

It's beek almost exactly a week since my last update, and that makes this article almost exactly a week overdue. Without further ado...

Arguments vs. Discourse

The ancient Greeks used to stand in public areas in the middle of cities and argue about things all day—just for fun. Then they would shake hands and go home. Next day, same thing.

(Mannion, Arguments vs. Discourse)

People argue far too much for my liking, and I must admit that (being a member of the human race) I do this as well. Arguing doesn't mean that the people arguing dislike each other, simply that they disagree (though to hear my friends and I argue is an experience of singular interest in the lengths we go to prove our points, and before you ask, I lose...every time). I think people can disagree without being enemies. In fact, it could be said that the greatest of friends often disaree with each other on several points in life, and use these disagreements to learn more about it and each other.

That said people who argue often seem to get angry at each other after walking away from an argument. In some cases, they are actually angry. Perhaps because they dislike their co-arguee. Perhaps because they feel so strongly about a subject that admitting they are wrong would invalidate thier entire lives.(just a suggestion...) Anyway, in most cases, I'd like to think that people use arguments as an opportunity to learn more about the viewpoints of others, and the people they interact with.

Now I'm probably not the best person to talk about the technicalities of arguing, having been considered a pretentious know-it-all by almost everyone I've met at one point or another. (but at least I'll admit it...) But maybe there should be some rules about arguing, foremost among them being that some things just shouldn't be argued (the rules of Math for example). As well, those participating in the argument should remain civil. Other than that, not much can be done to regulate arguments. Fights, battles, and wars over differing veiwpoints will probably continue until the end of time, and there's not much we can do to stop close mindedness from resulting in these things. That's no reason to sweat the little stuff though...