The basis of any relationship between two or more people is communication, during which they exchange facts, information and their own opinions. If the views and positions do not coincide, a dispute may arise. An important condition for its beginning is the desire of participants to defend their point of view.
The essence of the concept
The dispute is a verbal contest, but the meaning of the word carries a broader concept reflecting the opposition of the parties. Participants can be two or more people.
Verbal confrontation is actively used before the conclusion of transactions during the negotiations. Arguments can science or grandmothers in the yard.
The ability to properly conduct a dispute is recognized by the art, which is called eristic.
The tradition of such fights came to us from ancient Greece. Later on, tough laws were created under which they can be enforced.
Initially, the goal was to achieve the truth. Over time, the verbal contest turned into a tool for achieving victory at any cost.
Today, the characteristic "avid debater" is more likely a negative connotation. Extreme expressions of this phenomenon - squabble and demagoguery. Demagogues use implicit methods of false reasoning, use complex forms of exposition of position, masking logical contradictions. The list of such a debater also includes ingratiation and populism.
Classification
Classification is carried out on one of the characteristic features of the competition. There are several main types.
- Discussion - business conversations to find the truth are often calm in nature, using honest methods of refuting the arguments of the opposite side.
- Dispute - public competition on the subject of a given thesis. This form is often used in the protection of scientific work or the discussion of a particular problem by people who sometimes have the same position.
- Controversy - active verbal confrontation in order to defeat the enemy. Confrontation is often possible, but within the framework of generally accepted norms of behavior and morality.
- Debate or debate - public clashes of opinions, demonstrating the positions of different parties. Most often there are reactions to a message, a speech at a conference, during an election campaign.
Disputes involving the use of incorrect techniques:
- eclecticism - led to the attainment of truth;
- sophistry - to achieve victory over the enemy at any cost.
The nature of the verbal competition is affected by the goals, the importance of the problem or information being discussed, the number of participants and the form of the fight. In recent years, the controversy has become a popular argument. Participants exercise in receptions without achieving a specific goal, but for their own pleasure.
Ethical standards and rules of reference
The ethics of the dispute is based on the rules and principles of preparation:
- thinking through the tactics of verbal combat, the choice of the main goal and the choice of the main arguments;
- readiness for any variant of development of events;
- studying the level of training of your opponent, his positive and negative sides in the management of the dispute;
- focus on the topic of discussion.
According to the rules of etiquette, it is necessary to listen to the opponent, allowing him to express his point of view to the end.
You can highlight a few more rules:
- never allow yourself to sink to the level of your opponent in his aggressive and unwarranted attacks;
- when denying any thesis, it is necessary not only to say no, but also to bring at least a couple of arguments;
- it is necessary to criticize only with a constructive approach;
- thoughts should be confronted by thoughts, and not analysis of personality shortcomings.
The culture of verbal combat is not an easy task. Constant development of yourself, increasing your own knowledge base, new techniques, iron logic will help you achieve success in any dispute.
For more on the art of argument, see the following video.
