03 Aug '14 06:57>2 edits
Dilbert's Guide to Debating (sopwath Ars Tribunus Militum Posted: Thu May 17, 2001)
"Just about anytime I come in here, I see a number of rather poor responses to valid arguments. I thought this might be funny to some. Yes, this probably belongs in the lounge, but there just aren't as many good fights in there.
Induhvidual Debating Technique
Lately I have found myself in e-mail discussions with Induhviduals
who employ debating tactics that are very similar. I suspect they
are learning these methods in some sort of top-secret Induhvidual
training facility.
The Induhvidual debating technique involves four steps:
1. Exaggerate your opponent's statement into an absurd absolute.
2. Make an inappropriate analogy.
3. Change the topic to something easier to defend.
4. Claim victory.
For example:
Me: Vegetables are good for you.
Induhvidual: That's ridiculous. If you ate a truckload
of vegetables all at once you would die.
Me: No one eats a truckload all at once.
Induhvidual: Let me give you an analogy. If you tried to swim
across the ocean, and you didn't know how to swim,
and you had no arms or legs, you'd never make it.
Surely you can agree with that.
Me: Um...that's different.
Induhvidual: Ha! So now you agree with me that swimming
is good exercise!"
http://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=986259
Comment: Just thought that "Dilbert's Guide to Debating" might possibly lighten your day.
Have there ever been any such induhviduals posting on Red Hot Pawn's Debate Forum?
"Just about anytime I come in here, I see a number of rather poor responses to valid arguments. I thought this might be funny to some. Yes, this probably belongs in the lounge, but there just aren't as many good fights in there.
Induhvidual Debating Technique
Lately I have found myself in e-mail discussions with Induhviduals
who employ debating tactics that are very similar. I suspect they
are learning these methods in some sort of top-secret Induhvidual
training facility.
The Induhvidual debating technique involves four steps:
1. Exaggerate your opponent's statement into an absurd absolute.
2. Make an inappropriate analogy.
3. Change the topic to something easier to defend.
4. Claim victory.
For example:
Me: Vegetables are good for you.
Induhvidual: That's ridiculous. If you ate a truckload
of vegetables all at once you would die.
Me: No one eats a truckload all at once.
Induhvidual: Let me give you an analogy. If you tried to swim
across the ocean, and you didn't know how to swim,
and you had no arms or legs, you'd never make it.
Surely you can agree with that.
Me: Um...that's different.
Induhvidual: Ha! So now you agree with me that swimming
is good exercise!"
http://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=986259
Comment: Just thought that "Dilbert's Guide to Debating" might possibly lighten your day.
Have there ever been any such induhviduals posting on Red Hot Pawn's Debate Forum?