How much responsibility do we bear when someone we debate seems to "lose it"?

Question

Have you ever corrected, criticized, challenged, or accused someone in the name of "spirited debate" (the accusations could have been mistaken or unfair, but not deliberately so) and then seem them seem to go completely "off the deep end"? Did you feel some responsibility?

It may have been that a third-party (or parties) exacerbated the situation or that the person already had major "issues" to begin with. And perhaps you didn't do things maliciously. But would it still trouble you?

Sorry if this is unduly hypothetical, though I suspect on the 'Net, many people will relate to what I am vaguely describing. I don't want to go into specific, lest I be gossiping.

So, a general question for online debate: is there a responsibility to consider the mental health of those we engage (especially online)?

Answer 1

Speaking or giving the Truth in Love is karmaless and karma-free.

Personal attack, vendettas, name-calling, etc. are the worst types of harrassment.

In between, some of each condition.

Online, not quite the traditional debate or courtroom format.

In the classroom, many a teacher or professor, simply by having greater experience, etc., may unduly influence some naive or impressionable minds. This is a serious matter, with consequences "here and hereafter."

"The Path of Virtue," Jonathan Murro, and "A Philosophy of Universality," O. M. Aivanhov, deal somewhat with this.

Answer 2

Yes and No. There are several factors that play into this. How old is the person? Are they old enough they should be able to handle criticism? If so then no, you do not have any kind of responsibility for this persons feelings. I say feelings because it is the feelings that got "hurt" that make people go off on the "deep end". If the person is younger then maybe tiptoe so to speak around the criticism.
Is the person someone that you know personally? Is it someone that knows that you like to debate? Is the person someone that you normally hold a debate with? There are many factors in this. So yes and no. Sorry. I know probably not so helpful. :)
-K

Answer 3

Well, I figured I would find you here, Gnu.

That is not the first time that person has gone off the deep end, though I can not remember a time more complete in its effect on said poster.

I think that YA has much to do with it, as they seem to be tracking the posts of this person better and the person has only fragmented and limited access now.

You, being you, may very well be troubled, but, as you noted, said poster had issues. ( quite an understatement, as your history with said poster was relatively short )

Answer 4

The problem with debating anybody in the "net" is that you are operating in virtual anonymity , and by that I mean you dont know if they are walking time bombs of mental problems easily prone to psychotic episodes.

So when that happen, we will all say in here " uh oh, what did you do?"

At any rate, your responsibility for the resulting mental breakdown(?) or episode is probably difficult to pin down. I think you might even be able to say " In the net, he can engage in these issues when it is difficult for him to deal with it on a face to face level with a mental health practitioner. He could always stop, or shut down the computer".

Answer 5

A debate is an argument between people that is judged by a third party. The debaters have no personal responsibility for anything other than their own actions, words, and thoughts.

If you want a good argument, then it would behoove you to choose a good opponent.

Answer 6

Our responsibility online is to be KIND and respectful of others. I have been very surprised at the level of what appears to be pure viciousness present here at YA! Are we responsible for other's mental health...of course not...but we can refrain from being provocative. Am not perfect...LOL...and once in awhile...a button get pushed and I am reactive instead of responsive...but I DO try not to provoke or be provoking! Merry Christmas

Answer 7

Your responsibility is maintain your composure, your tact, and your strong mind, sticking up for your pointers. It is not your responsibility to keep or maintain your opponent`s sound mind. If he goes beyond crosslines, it is still not your responsibility to answer such misbehaving`` during debates.

Answer 8

Having any debate with someone who just doens't get it is a waste of time!

Answer 9

Man has yet to discover a barometer for emotional elasticity. We speak to seek truth, to understand, and to teach. Without this, we would have no ability to combat iniquities and much less, survival.