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What's the difference between discussion and debate?
CarolM:
--- Quote from: bobtheskull on February 08, 2007, 09:21:55 PM ---
--- Quote from: Kali on February 08, 2007, 09:12:46 PM ---Now give me my rum. [/1776]
--- End quote ---
Granted, but the 1776 rum went bad about 150 years ago, so you're left with a dusty crate of bottles of ethanol.
Oh wait, this isn't the "corrupt a wish" thread, is it?
--- End quote ---
But you still forgot your wish bobtheskull, which might be because this is the wrong thread, though we could debate/discuss that. ;D
bobtheskull:
--- Quote from: CarolM on February 08, 2007, 09:31:42 PM ---
--- Quote from: bobtheskull on February 08, 2007, 09:21:55 PM ---
--- Quote from: Kali on February 08, 2007, 09:12:46 PM ---Now give me my rum. [/1776]
--- End quote ---
Granted, but the 1776 rum went bad about 150 years ago, so you're left with a dusty crate of bottles of ethanol.
Oh wait, this isn't the "corrupt a wish" thread, is it?
--- End quote ---
But you still forgot your wish bobtheskull, which might be because this is the wrong thread, though we could debate/discuss that. ;D
--- End quote ---
Actually, I specifically *didn't* wish a wish here, because it's not the "corrupt a wish" thread. I think it's just the "corrupt a thread" thread.
Great. Now I'm tempted to make a "corrupt the thread thread" thread where every new post has to corrupt the previous post into a new topic. Thanks a lot! /sarcasm ;)
btw, thread thread threaditythreadthread.
Baelmyrrdn:
As I see it, the difference between "discussion" and "debate" is the same as the difference between "black" magic" and "white"...ie, it lies in the realm of "motive and intent."
In a discussion, your motive is to share your thoughts, insights, and questions with a like minded audience, and your intent is to learn and gain new insights from other people's perspectives. As online communications go, the process is collaborative.
In a debate, however, your motive is to present your thoughts, insights, and questions to the same audience, but your intent is to convince them that your perspective is the correct one. As online communications go, the process is competitive.
Personally, I love a good academic debate...and I know from experience they can be done effectively on a forum such as this one...as long as the "Rules of Engagement" are called out ahead of time; and all parties agree to abide by them.
Rather like a Wizard's Duel, wot?
Edited: 'Cause I can't spell...
DragonFire:
--- Quote from: Baelmyrrdn on February 09, 2007, 01:03:49 AM ---As I see it, the difference between "discussion" and "debate" is the same as the difference between "black" magic" and "white"...ie, it lies in the realm of "motive and intent."
In a discussion, your motive is to share your thoughts, insights, and questions with a like minded audience, and your intent is to learn and gain new insights from other people's perspectives. As online communications go, the process is collaborative.
In a debate, however, your motive is to present your thoughts, insights, and questions to the same audience, but your intent is to convince them that your perspective is the correct one. As online communications go, the process is competitive.
Personally, I love a good academic debate...and I know from experience they can be done effectively on a forum such as this one...as long as the "Rules of Engagement" are called out ahead of time; and all parties agree to abide by them.
Rather like a Wizard's Duel, wot?
Edited: 'Cause I can't spell...
--- End quote ---
But where is the line?
I mean, if someone theorises murph should get hte sword, and someone else disagrees and says Thomas, is that disucssion or debate?
How do we make the call of what is discussion and what is debate?
Baelmyrrdn:
How do you tell the difference between a discussion and a debate...in one word: rebuttal.
In a discussion, when you disagree with someone you will probably tell them them your opinion, perhaps bolster that position with some "evidence" and then given them a chance to reply. In a discussion, your "opponent" (for lack of a better word) then has the option to present his (or her) opinon in the matter..citing such evidence as they wish. After you both have a chance to express your opinion, the discussion phase ends...either with a concensus (or the tacit agreement to "respectfully disagree) on the matter.
In a debate, however, the participants take the "discussion" to the next level, and instead of trying to understand the other person's perspective (and agreeing to disagree), they try to demolish each other's argument by systematically refuting their "evidence" and thereby calling their interpretation into question.
Frankly, that's why most debate and forensics competitions are governed by a fairly strict set of rules. When it's all said and done, a debate *is* a competition, it's easy to get caught up in the "win/lose" trap and start attacking your opponent (instead of his or her argument).
Does that help explain it any?
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