Is there a formula or a best technique for winning arguments?

Question

I mean, for example, arguments about the death penalty, or abortion, or the existence of God. I know that these are very grave issues, and should be treated with nobility and respect.

But I was wondering, does anyone know a highly effective technique for winning arguments with people?

Thank you for your responses.

Answer 1

see "thank you for smoking". there's a good explanation on winning debates in that movie. basically he says to win an argument all you have to do is disprove what the other person is saying, rather than proving your point.

Answer 2

It depends on what you mean by "winning" an argument. If you are referring to the trouncing of your opponent, then the tried and true techniques of rhetoric will help you win an argument. If you are talking about making your argument seem more compelling than your opponent's argument, then you will need the tools of philosophy. Perhaps you need to study the techniques of Socrates, the master debater. But some years ago, one book was published which insisted that winning arguments means that both sides gain something from the argument. It is a win-win situation. For example, if a parent wants his/her child to stop hanging out at a certain place in town and initiates an "argument" with the child over this situation, the parent would be the winner of the argument, if both parties gained something from the disputation. So, you must define what you mean by "winning" before you find out how to win an argument.

Answer 3

I don't think that there is an exact methodology to winning arguments. Especially, for the topics which you mention. Those are extremely volatile ethical and philosophical issues which people tend to feel strongly about. Typically, in arguments, the goal is to find mutually beneficial win/win solutions. Where each party walks away from the discussion with the feeling of having had the other person hear them out, understand their opinions, and accept their viewpoint whether or not they truly agree with it.

Answer 4

There is a list of 38 stratagems, or 38 ways to win an argument, by Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860), a German philosopher, that you can find in his book, "The Art of Controversy". I'd list them here, but that wouldn't be practical! Do a search on him or the book and you'll probably find the list on line. Good luck!

Answer 5

The arguments you mentioned are controversial.
So your opponent most likely won't share the background assumptions that will lead to your conclusion. You have to find assumptions they will accept. If they won't accept a widely held premise, given exhausting statisics, commonly held belief, etc.. then you can basically pin that on them as a flaw of their view.

Answer 6

people will believe what they want to believe.

the best way for a person's view on abortion to be changed:
a:let their teenage daughter get pregnant with a man of another race
b: show them a video of a partial birth abortion.

for their view on the death penalty to change:
a: let one of their family members be charged with a capital offense
b: let one of their relatives be killed.

to change somebody's views on God:
take them to war.

people believe what they want to and will only change their opinion if a situation happens to one of their family members or a close friend. dont bother trying to change somebody's opinion on anything, and dont let them force any opinions on you. i dont argue. i make a statement. i do not accept any other viewpoints, because the owners of those viewpoints are morons.

Answer 7

first, you must be on the right side of the argument.
then you have to correctly identify what you are disagreeing about. you must be sure that you are asking and answering the right questions so as not to get side tracked.
finally, use facts and logic to dispel the other argument and support your own.
if you cannot meet the latter of these requirements, you have probably not met the first.

Answer 8

Just don't argue.

If somebody is open enought to ask you your views, you should tell them in an open non-confrontational way! Win them over by showing them compassion and living what you speak.

Choose your battles wisely, otherwise, you'll be wasting your time. See?

Good luck!

Answer 9

What matters is that you have agreed with the argument for your values, and views for your group. we can not all agree because we are different in many ways. as I said. If you have convinced yourself for better of worse, you have won your argument.

Answer 10

Yes there is, it's called being a WOMAN !