I tend to counter-argue a lot of my teachers political arguments, and when he discovered these were for the sake of argument (I claimed I learn more from discussions such as these) he said something about the devil's advocate.
2006-09-16 03:47:37 · 16 answers · asked by Jon 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It can be good and bad.
Outside of the classroom, a person who argues just for arguments sake seems hostile.
Inside the classroom it can open up people's brains...but it can also get annoying when a student goes on and on.
2006-09-16 05:18:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Argument for the sake of debate is good. Exploring all aspects of a problem, learning different perspectives, testing various theories. These all lead to a better understanding of the topic.
Argument for the sake of argument is bad. I means, solely to be contentious, or to annoy, or to take up time. Granted, the taking up time can satisfy a secondary goal in class (running out the clock). But generally, just arguing without a goal of actually exploring the topic is a waste of everyone's time.
2006-09-16 04:29:51 · answer #2 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Time to get the ol webster out and go to work. Argument has its place and is not an argument but rather a debate. Debate is good in a setting that is appropriate. It is not wrong to question your teacher but it is wrong to argue with them, because nothing is "won" or lost. So, instead of stating your side, ask it in question form. This takes the heat off of the teacher and is still thought provoking for you and your classmates.
2006-09-16 03:54:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's nothing wrong with being the devil's advocate -- makes the person on the other side have to work harder to back up their point of view and may help get closer to the actual truth of the matter whatever that may happen to be.
Just because they are the teachers doesn't make them right.
2006-09-16 03:52:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Argue away. If it's worth saying, say it. No one should be unheard. Others may say 'devil's advocate' now, but you never know who's really listening to what you are saying. Prove your point but don't be slow in stepping back if your what you're saying is proven wrong...If you believe in what you're saying, chances are, it's going to be right most of the time (to you).
2006-09-16 03:54:25 · answer #5 · answered by luunchbox2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that they could be good but I'm not really sure. I mean it does teach you a lot about the two sides of a problem and does teach you how to argue but I don't know if it's always a good thing to do.
2006-09-16 04:04:27 · answer #6 · answered by izzy k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Normally it's good but unfortunately (learned this the hard way) small minded *** hat professors can hold it against you and cause you to fail their class. Yes it sucks so just wait till you get out from under their thumbs and then you can argue or debate till your hearts content.
2006-09-16 04:01:43 · answer #7 · answered by medic 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Argument like that are bad
2006-09-19 04:32:59 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are times when arguing the other side is very productive. There are other times when it's rude and annoying. Pick your "battles."
2006-09-16 03:55:29 · answer #9 · answered by clarity 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Illogical arguments are bad.
2006-09-16 18:35:47 · answer #10 · answered by Seagull 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋