44 foul ways to win an argument

**Jonas Quin** · 02-19-10, 02:08 AM

sadly true in many places.

**Pint** · 02-19-10, 03:13 AM

Originally Posted by Phaedro

14) Devise analogies or metaphors that support your view

15) Question your opponent's conclusions

25) Attack evidence

29) Make much of any inconsistencies in your opponent's position

30) Make your opponent look ridiculous

43) Throw in some statistics

In mutual respect, let us avoid these tricks if/when we can.

I left the ones that seem nearly impossible to keep away from. Suppose you were arguing a holocaust denier, how can you help but make him/her look dumb as shit? I mean their premise is mentally gimpy, I don't see how it could not look anything other then ridiculous. I suppose you should avoid pointing and laughing in a loud voice as much as possible.

PoB

**Phaedro** · 02-19-10, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by Pint

Originally Posted by Phaedro

14) Devise analogies or metaphors that support your view

15) Question your opponent's conclusions

25) Attack evidence

29) Make much of any inconsistencies in your opponent's position

30) Make your opponent look ridiculous

43) Throw in some statistics

In mutual respect, let us avoid these tricks if/when we can.

I left the ones that seem nearly impossible to keep away from. Suppose you were arguing a holocaust denier, how can you help but make him/her look dumb as shit? I mean their premise is mentally gimpy, I don't see how it could not look anything other then ridiculous. I suppose you should avoid pointing and laughing in a loud voice as much as possible.

PoB

You raise some valid points. However, I think you hit the nail on the head when you said "argument" and not "debate." Although a debate is technically a logical and formalized version of an argument, it differs from the likely high emotional exchange that would surround the hypothetical argument you describe.

**flame** · 02-19-10, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by Pint

I left the ones that seem nearly impossible to keep away from. Suppose you were arguing a holocaust denier, how can you help but make him/her look dumb as shit? I mean their premise is mentally gimpy, I don't see how it could not look anything other then ridiculous. I suppose you should avoid pointing and laughing in a loud voice as much as possible.

PoB

the holocaust never happened it was all made up!

ok so theres one we cant argue on...