Learning argumentation

[Rocks_91]

Hello! I have some beliefs that are not shared by other Christians and I was told that I tend to argue falsely, making false dilemmas and attacking strawmen and talking in absolutes. So, heck, I realize, why not learn the method of argumentation, and learn about such things, logical arguments and what fallacies are. So what’s the best books/resource that I can use?

 

[Bob_Crowley]

It depends on what form of “debate” you’re thinking of taking on.

First there’s the written debate, similar to the sort of thing that goes on right here.

Then there’s the formal spoken debate.

Finally, there’s the impromptu situation where you’re arguing a point with another person, friend, fellow Christian etc.

Each of these requires a different approach. In all cases, you need to be charitable. It’s very easy to get into ad hominem situations, where you attack your opponent instead of debating the issue.

I’ve put a couple of links below, which might give you some ideas. But bear in mind that the only way to get practice is do it, not just read about it.

That may mean getting onto a website and arguing your case, joining a debating club, or some other venue. It’s not something you can achieve just by reading, just as public speaking cannot be improved by mere reading or visualisation. You have to do it.

amazon.com/Think-Logically-Edition-MyThinkingLab-Series/dp/0205154980

amazon.com/Debate-Revised-Speak-Write-Books/dp/0531111229

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debate

Since you live in Calcutta, you might find the following link more useful -

calcuttadebatingcircle.com/

 

[ClearWater]

Hello! I have some beliefs that are not shared by other Christians and I was told that I tend to argue falsely, making false dilemmas and attacking strawmen and talking in absolutes. So, heck, I realize, why not learn the method of argumentation, and learn about such things, logical arguments and what fallacies are. So what’s the best books/resource that I can use?

Books on apologetics are good. The “Handbook of Christian Apologetics” by Peter Kreeft is helpful.

amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0830817743/theofficiapet-20

A course on logic, public speaking, debate, persuasive speech, or books on any of those would also be helpful.

 

[ClearWater]

I’ve never been, myself, but I heard “Toastmaster’s” is good for learning about public speaking.

 

[Anglewannabe]

I was told that I tend to argue falsely, making false dilemmas and attacking strawmen and talking in absolutes.

My first though is ‘was this told to you when you were winning the argument?’. If so, it sounds like the other person is a sore looser and was using a manipulation tactic to put you down.

Instead of going off and posting a question on where to learn the facts, why did you not simply ask the other person ‘What is the source of your argument so I can go read up on it’. If this person would not answer that question, I think my theory is 100% accurate

 

[MarcoPolo]

A good couple rules of thumb I try to maintain:

• Stay on topic. This includes leaving out any comments about the other person’s motives, etc… Just stay on the topic even if they try to steer you away.
• Always argue on whether something is true/false, right/wrong. Never argue for or against something on the grounds of it being popular/unpopular, modern/archaic, etc… All of your reasoning should be focused on deriving true/false, right/wrong.
• Learn to leave an argument going nowhere with a stubborn person who ignores your argumentation. Learn to leave even if they have the last word. This requires some humility, but if someone is obstinate, you might be best leaving any seeds you may have planted to germinate than to feed the argument further.

I think if you can stay within those parameters, it will help a lot.

 

[Bob_Crowley]

It depends on what form of “debate” you’re thinking of taking on.

First there’s the written debate, similar to the sort of thing that goes on right here.

Then there’s the formal spoken debate.

Finally, there’s the impromptu situation where you’re arguing a point with another person, friend, fellow Christian etc…

To add to my post (number 2, partly quoted above) I just wanted to give a bit of a warning. I haven’t seen many people become Christian or Catholic as the result of argument.

It may be important to have a logical train of thought when debating, but be careful about assuming that this will convert other people. I note that you’re becoming Catholic, so right now you’re probably full of enthusiasm for your new faith. That’s commendable, but be a bit careful what you say.

I’ve got a rather battered booklet “Let Go” by (Archbishop Fenelon) and there’s one essay which might be relevant to you. I’ll quote the first paragraph, and some of the second.

Letter 17 - Quietness in God our True Resource.

When it comes to accomplishing things for God, you will find that high aspirations, enthusiastic feelings, careful planning and being able to express yourself are not worth very much. The important thing is absolute surrender to God. You can do anything He wants you to do if you are walking the light of full surrender.

Living in this blessed way involves a continual death which is known to very few, but is is in this position that you can be really effective for God. A single word spoken to another person form this restful, abandoned position will do more to change circumstances than all our most eager and carefully planned schemes. You see, when you speak from this position of abandonment to God, it is the Spirit of God who is speaking, and the word you speak out of context loses none of its force and authority. Only one word perhaps - but it enlightens, persuades, blesses and moves to action. We have accomplished everything, and have scarcely said anything…

Just something to keep in mind.

Background on Archbishop Fenelon - … During the seventeenth century, while in the office of Archbishop, Fenelon had the opportunity to become the spiritual adviser of a small number of earnest people at the Court of Louis the 14th, who sought, under Fenelon’s wise direction, to live a life of true spirituality in the midst of a court life which was shamelessly immoral.