Should emotion be part of an argument?

[Moonbeam]

We argue because we do not know what we feel.

 

[shira]

Originally posted by: zendari
Only when arguing with bleeding heart liberals.

You forgot the second half of your sentence:

. . . since I can't possibly make an intellectually compelling argument based on my hopelessly illogical right-wing ideology.

 

[shira]

Originally posted by: Moonbeam

Originally posted by: Amplifier
Should people use emotion in their arguments or is that a cheap way around making a legitimate point?

This isn't a question of effectiveness (I know yelling can get a point across). I feel that even a heated topic can be discussed rationally without resorting to an emotional display.

-Amp

Understanding what and why you are asking is, I think, as important as any answer:

What is involved for you with 'should or shouldn't', what kind of yardstick are you seeking and to satisfy what inner need? I hear some inner intimidation you seek ammunition with which to defend and defy, like I will feel better being logical or having lost arguments to emotion if I know emotion is wrong. In that case what you need is to become conscious of what you are feeling. Then the issue will resolve in another dimension.

Why the use of words like cheep and legitimate? Are you not asking a question about the use of emotion, emotionally? The question is, what are you feeling. I sense that there is hurt somewhere in here for you.

Most people, I think, can be rational when discussing things that do not affect or challenge or intimidate their ego or anything they have identified their ego with. I think people identify with externals, political parties, sports teams, nations, etc etc etc etc etc etc, because they feel worthless inside. They are constantly looking for something that's the very best so they can bask vicariously in its glory and hide their own feelings of inferiority from themselves. So when you come along all logical and knock down their tin gods, you threaten to kick out their crutch. That people will resist to the death because they we killed emotionally as children. We will die rather than relive that death.

Anyway, by now you may have completely lost interest in your question.

Often, Moonbeam, you write things in that kaleidescopic, Zen style of yours, and I have a hard time taking what you say seriously, although I DO usually agree with the underlying substance.

But in this post you've expressed yourself clearly, in terms even a true believer can understand. One hopes the self-loathing masses can learn something.

 

[Infohawk]

Originally posted by: cobalt

Troll troll troll your boat...

Are you talking about Zendari or PatboyX?

How can emotion not be part of an argument?

Since 1+1 = 2, 1+1+1 = 3. Is that emotional for you? I'm not emotional when I put forth that argument.

Doesn't emotion also trigger arguments?

Don't confuse an argumnt with conflict.

 

[Cobalt]

Originally posted by: Infohawk

How can emotion not be part of an argument?

Since 1+1 = 2, 1+1+1 = 3. Is that emotional for you? I'm not emotional when I put forth that argument.

I don't understand. How can that be argued upon? That can't be disputed.

EDIT: It was at zendari, I must of hit the wrong quote.

 

[kogase]

Originally posted by: cwjerome

Originally posted by: kogase

Originally posted by: cwjerome
Maybe I'm wrong and it's not a dicey issue.

I suppose someone could speak to another person about issues and ideas and FEEL absolutely nothing. All I can say is, I'd hate to have that person's life.

Gee, thanks alot.

Does my statement apply to you? I hope not... A person without emotions, a person without feelings, is a subhuman machine. Somehow I doubt this is true though... barring some psychological defect, our emotions are with us every milisecond of every day, whether we're watching TV, cooking a meal, or debating an issue.

The thing is to know the source of your emotions and understand them in context. Emotions are important keys to our existence, but a rational man makes a point to discover the premises from which they arise... but emotions should never be our guide.

I very rarely actually feel anything regarding the actual issue I am debating. I get more pleasure out of the debate itself. In that sense, I feel emotion. But... I didn't think that was exactly what you were talking about.

 

[0roo0roo]

valid no
exploit emotions yes

 

[ciba]

Are you making a logical argument or argument based on opinion? Emotion has little to do with facts but very much to do with opinion. The answer to your question depends on the type of argument.

Examples: Emotion has very little to do with the fact that the earth circles the sun. Emotion (due to opinions) has a lot to do with current political and religions issues.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

I think emotions can drive a rational, logical argument. However, what I disagree with is when emotions are used as a argumentative tool and not any true display of emotion. Both sides do it too. The right does it with images and descriptions of aborted babies. The left do it with the spectre of dead Iraqis and US soldiers. And there are arguments that can be made to both sides that humans being killed is not that great an issue for either side; it merely depends on the situation as to whether they're willing to wring their hands or not. So hypocrisy abounds.

Emotion in and of itself in an argument (or a debate, if you want to call it that) is not a bad thing...when it's a true emotion. However, when it's used as a form of manipulation simply to score some partisan points, it's the rudest use of emotion and the very lowest form of argument.

 

[0roo0roo]

http://www.emotioneric.com/

 

[Crimson]

Hate is the emotion that drives most radical lefties these days.

Hate of Christians, Hate of Conservatives, Hate of Bush, Hate of Southerners, Hate of Republicans, etc..

 

[0roo0roo]

oh please. conservatives love irrationality. have a war? fine! we just wont pay for it christians? only republican christians are christians, the rest are infidels. smacks of what islamic fundies say doesn't it? apparently the majority of those juges who got approved... heathen athiests by conservative standards. hate of irrationality and bigotry that pervades the south and the republican party is nothing to be ashamed of.

and somehow i doubt any truely honest person would trade the life of even their dog to save a frozen embryo. its NOT a baby.

 

[WiseOldDude]

If it is an arugment, emotions are part of it, otherwise it is just a debate.

 

[maluckey]

Even if it is a debate, you would not have a side to debate if you had no emotions because you would not care one way or the other.

 

[judasmachine]

Originally posted by: Crimson
Hate is the emotion that drives most radical lefties these days.

Hate of Christians, Hate of Conservatives, Hate of Bush, Hate of Southerners, Hate of Republicans, etc..

Hate drives many people of many differant persuasions.

Ultimately it is emotions that lead us to believe the way and things we believe. Emotion brings you to god, emotion brings you to want more money, emotion brings you to this forum to argue pointlessly with others who feel the same but think differantly.

 

[surreal1221]

Yes, emotion should be part of a viable arguement. Some points are easier to get across when strength, and emotions are utilized. But I think there should be a point, and once one starts yelling at the other. . . that is the end. I quit debates, and discussions when voices start to get too high. Faciel expressions, hand gestures, sighs, and various other audible sounds that disgusted individuals (the losing end) utilize, I can deal with. But don't yell at me cause you disagree, lol.

 

[Cobalt]

Originally posted by: Crimson
Hate is the emotion that drives most radical lefties these days.

Hate of Christians, Hate of Conservatives, Hate of Bush, Hate of Southerners, Hate of Republicans, etc..

I am a Christian and I don't consider the right extremists as such. Christ taught to love one another, not to use his teachings as a tool for discrimination, violence, and bigotry but to embrace one another and help eachother.