2006-10-06 15:35:55 · 20 answers · asked by ★Greed★ 7 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Note people correctly alluded to the idiot’s motivation stemming from idiocy.
Please no more circular reasoning,
2006-10-06 17:48:04 · update #1
No. An idiot will never admit he's wrong. An idiot thinks he knows everything when he really knows nothing. A closed mind doesn't let much in! A truly intelligent person realizes that the more they know, the more there still is to find out, more than we can ever know.
Just nod & smile. I know someone who will argue that the earth is flat & sugar is healthy etc etc. You can't reason with him. You can not disabuse him of his ridiculous illusions. You wind up wanting to tear your hair out. So now I just nod & smile. "Ok, so up is down & dogs are cats? Ok. If you say so..." & I mutter to myself "Idiot!" It's just easier that way!
2006-10-06 15:53:05 · answer #1 · answered by amp 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I sincerely doubt it. The two key words in this question are "motivated" and "idiot".
If his motivation is directed toward convincing you that his argument is correct, that will be the direction of the flow of his thought process. He won't be at all receptive to your convincing him, regardless of the merits of your argument and would be totally unlikely to listen to a word you said.
Getting a message through to this idiot would be like paddling upstream against a swift current--darned near impossible!
The trick with a person like this is to wait until he thinks he's won the argument (i.e. his stream's stopped flowing for a while), and then come in with a comment that seems unrelated to the issue. If you can catch him while he's unaware, you might stand a chance. BTW you'd be much more likely to convince him if you were to state your opinion as fact. Idiots can seldom recognize the difference!
2006-10-07 03:48:41 · answer #2 · answered by Lady Sue 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first thing to do is to ask if one is also as motivated and as idiotic.
If so, then one way to defeat such equal opponent is to out last him/her -- eventually, one side must give up being stupid. Time is not of essence for two idiots.
If one is smarter, one digs a hole and leads the idiot to it. It would not take long for the idiot to fall in. Be wise and have a bit of patient.
If one is less smart, the best option is to aim for a quick knock out or tide. An idiot would not even know what hit him or her. Taking imitative is of essence.
The smartest person would know that he/she does not have to argue with an idiot to begin with.
2006-10-06 17:38:14 · answer #3 · answered by : ) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends what you mean by 'winning'.
If you mean getting the motivated idiot to change their view in the light of reason, facts, and argument. Then, I'd say probably not. I've never seen it happen.
If, on the other hand, winning an argument means remaining intellectually honest and modest before the truth, and keeping your dignity in the pursuit of it, then I'd say you win every time.
2006-10-06 15:42:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well you might win an argument with an idiot who thinks he knows everything, but you would lose the war . I know a few, but one never really manages to change their way of thinking with some clear reasoning, because they ARE idiots.
I agree that one should waste one's time - smile and say nothing.
And remember, everyone is entitled to have a point of view.
2006-10-06 17:24:01 · answer #5 · answered by Cassandra 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Arguing with an idiot is like wrestling in the mud with a pig; soon you realize the pig enjoys it.
It is a waste of time; the only good that can come from it is if you communicate that he is not to speak to you anymore. And best of luck on that one!
2006-10-06 15:45:06 · answer #6 · answered by n0witrytobeamused 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Even if you logically win an argument with a motivated idiot.
He wouldn't accept your victory or his defeat.
Arguing with such a person is like hitting your head against a stone wall to make way !
2006-10-07 03:45:41 · answer #7 · answered by James 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could test him with the following statement, "You know what? You're absoLUTELY right... There is no way anyone could think otherwise. I'm SURE of that..."
If that takes away his motivation, start an important argument with him...
2006-10-06 15:44:26 · answer #8 · answered by Tuna-San 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why cast your pearls before swine? Only a fool would argue with an idiot.
2006-10-06 17:16:50 · answer #9 · answered by Nora Explora 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No.
You will eventually lose because they don't get it, wont get it, or just plain can't get it due to their refusal to acknowledge anything else.
If you convince them otherwise, they aren't an idiot, just motivated in the wrong direction.
2006-10-06 15:43:33 · answer #10 · answered by ModerndayMadman 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋