Who do you enjoy debating with most in WotW

[Big D]

I miss Ifrit's Bodyguard.

It's quite a challenge debating with a scientifically-trained creationist.

Besimudo wasn't bad either. He new his philosopy quite well, but his arguments tended to waiver between being cogent, and being a bit waffley.

I agree with both of those.

However, I get the most benefit out of debating with Shadow Nexus. We're truly at opposite ends of the spectrum - he's a Marxist anarchist, I'm a Liberal Democratic law student. However, in spite of these extreme differences in philosophy, we never argue or bicker over issues. I've learned one heck of a lot because of participating in debates that he's also involved in.

Also, we have very similar views on subjects such as military intervention and the "war on terrorism". This helps.
Shadow Nexus manages to be philisophical but also very funny, in a bitingly sarcastic way.

Skogs and The Captain are always good for some intelligent discussion. I've come to appreciate Edczxcvbnm's unique style, as well.

I enjoy debating with those who I disagree with, but only when all parties retain an open-minded and reasonable attitude. Too often, it turns into a case of "Oh, so you think that your precious [insert argument here] is right, huh? Only a stupid person would do that because it's plainly wrong, and I'm right to say this because my opinion is different to yours, which means I'm right and you're wrong".

That, I find, is pointless and petty.
A debate should always be a learning opportunity - a chance to gain undrstanding of others' views - rather than a blatant attempt to ridicule or shun those with a different perspective.

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

I guess I am rather leftist aren't I?

Ironically, a few days ago in a Political Affairs Club meeting (I'm the Vice-President), when we were discussing who would be representing the "against gay marriage" side, one of the new members asked why I didn't do it, since I seemed pretty conservative. I must say I found that rather amusing and perplexing at the same time.

In any event, what I dislike in the debates is the extreme unwillingness to accept anybody else's opinion. It is one thing to dissent, but it is another entirely to ignore.

[Skogs]

PhoenixAsh. Where's he gone these days?

[Shadow Nexus]

We're truly at opposite ends of the spectrum - he's a Marxist anarchist, I'm a Liberal Democratic law student.

Um...no, wait, you can't be a Marxist and an anarchist at the same time. If I ever claimed to be a marxist it was only for the sake of provocation. Orthodox marxism or anarchism falls into dogmatism, and my favourite sport is to kung-fu kick dogmatic people in the face. Example:

Dogmarxist: Socialism is the natural evolution of capitalism and it will get here no matter what, the working classes will rebel and we will install a new system of equality and freedom.

Shad: What makes you think such rebellion is necessary- as in inevitable, not as in beneficial- and not just a mere supposition done by the fallacious idea of some weak relation between causes and effects?

Dogmarxist: It will happen, Marx said so.

Shad: HIYAAAAAAA!!! *kick in the face*

Another possible reply if the dogmarxist is a hot girl is "Do you make love to all the Bolshevik brothers? No? Then I'm not intersted*".

Um, seriously, I don't like labels. It feels constricting, as soon as we get labeled people put us in ideological boxes. Sometimes I try to make an experiment, I just present myself as a right winged person and then go on with my normal opinions, but always insisting on the fact that I am a right winged man. Of course, people feel confused, but still keep believing I am right winged. Thats what stereotypes do to you. If people ignored such labels, thinking would be more free, because you would not feel nearly forced to agree with some precepts of some ideology just because you agree with the other 90%, just to match. True, I agree with many marxist and anarchist concepts, but I don't consider myself neither of them. If you want a lable, "cynical guy with a trench coat and who really is a frustrated romantic" kinda suits me, or thats how most of my friends see me.

And I also enjoy discussing with you, but I don't feel like adding much to this post. I just don't like this kind of topics, it looks like some kind of popularity contest of some sort. "Oh my God, they didn't mention me in this post....oh no, I need attention now, so....TIME FOR A SUICIDE THREAD!!!"

* No, I don't actually kick people in the face. I did say the bolshevik thing once, thanks God the girl has sense of humour and didn't kick me in the balls.

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

Another thing I dislike is when people actually attempt to conform to a stereotype, that's just kinda sad.

[Cloud No.9]

i do hate being called niave. i consider myself very well read and educated (well compared to others round here (not the forum where i live)) and in fact tend to be extremely cynical about all things. and my dislike of america is not a fad (been done for decades) and i have given reasoned arguments for doing so. (we are not starting that topic om this thread) anyway i don't believe this thread should be used for put downs it is a positive thread regarding who you enjoy debating with for positive reasons.

never considered myself a very green party man either (unless it means something else is america) my support lies with the liberal democrats (where the whigs in a way) which are not overly left wing.

sorry for going off topic there but it seemed the time and place to do so.

[Martyr]

I hate debating.
I hate reading all those long paragraphs.
I'm also very stupid. And, although I can sometimes put up a good ruse, most people see through my shallow barricade of sarcasm and pointedly razor sharp wit to find that whatever I say is rooted more in real life than intellectual fantasy.

I'm driven by anger and experience more than news reports (Which I always find as biased in some way or another), so most of the time people discard all of my asinine comments. And that's exactly what people should do.

But I remember debating the weed issue with Opium. I'd say that that was... No fun at all. Not the slightest bit.

I only like debating religion because I know I'm right, but I try not to because my proof is, apparently, invalid. As it is in most cases. People fear us right wing extremists, ya know.

In fact, the next time I debate and somebody pulls out some evidence, I'm just going to say that that doesn't count. It works against me, it'll work against them! HAHAHA!

Note: If anybody has anything to say that attacks this particular post, be forewwarned that whatever evidence you propose means NOTHING at all! I need statistics, short stories, links to VALID news sites, and, if your av is FF, it's gotta be pre-FFVII or else I don't value your opinion anyway!

[fire_of_avalon]

Oh darn.

I don't know when this turned into a "so and so is such a smart guy, give him a medal" thread, but let's get back to the point. I like to pull out the fallacies in EVERYbody's arguments because it makes me feel powerful.

In all seriousness though, I don't like to "debate" as much as I like to "discuss". The moment someone starts raving like a banshee and insulting other members and their arguments is the moment I start to lose respect for them. SO, I guess that means I don't have a favorite pickin' partner.

Oh darn x2.

[Shadow Nexus]

I only like debating religion because I know I'm right, but I try not to because my proof is, apparently, invalid. As it is in most cases. People fear us right wing extremists, ya know.

I am very curious to know what exactly you call a valid point in reference to religion. I seriously doubt you can make any dogmas around the metaphisical.

[Martyr]

I only like debating religion because I know I'm right, but I try not to because my proof is, apparently, invalid. As it is in most cases. People fear us right wing extremists, ya know.

I am very curious to know what exactly you call a valid point in reference to religion. I seriously doubt you can make any dogmas around the metaphisical.

Well, no. I can't. I've never actually tried.
I just like saying that I'm always right, and I don't like it when people question my authority.

[Shadow Nexus]

I just like saying that I'm always right, and I don't like it when people question my authority.

I suppose that's sarcasm. Although I don't know, after reading some of your posts I can believe anyhting

[Harvest Moon]

Pacifists, I love making thier hearts curl with my in-hummanity.

Infact I have had several members compare me to Stalin. Which I take as a compliment.

[CloudSquallandZidane]

I love debating with anyone who doesnt share my view.