Just exactly what is the difference between

[Doc Spock]

An argument, a discussion and a debate.

This site would be very dull if we all held the same opinion on every topic.

I see my role as providing the alternative side of the argument just for the sake of it, thereby allowing people to anonymously declare their point of view no matter how wrong they may be)

[B00]

lol, you already know the answer.

A debate is where you can discuss topics in a mature manner without flinging insults or using derogatory comments. I would also help if you/anyone can back up their theories/arguments with facts and figures or at least personal experiences.

[Doc Spock]

How about when I was at an all boys school, two of the male teachers were sexual predators.

Give you names if you like.

How about Samuel Bell< Hulme Grammar School, Oldham, circa 1957

[Shadow Man]

The difference is man can not mass argue, but he can mass debate.

[Scarlett]

There should be no arguments on here! the premise is that someone asks a question. If you know the answer, or can give an opinion, do so. Simple as that! It fair gets my goat when people come on here and tell someone innocently posting a reply that they are "wrong". This is all about freedom of speech- you can take the answers for what they are- accept or reject- but thank the people who have taken time to give you an answer, and ignore the ones who give you abuse- they will soon get bored if they are ignored!

[theonlyone]

Things on here start as a debate or discussion and end up as a mud slinging match . Even though you don't know the person you get insulted for stating your point of view . So what makes you Spockie think that you are all ways right ??

[BBWCHATT]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debate

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discussion

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argument

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Advocat e

Says:
In common parlance, a devil's advocate is someone who takes a position for the sake of argument. This practice is generally an instructional technique in which one person argues a position that another is less familiar with, thereby teaching proper argument.

[Doc Spock]

Absolutely Scarlett and, as said by some politician, " whilst I do not agree with what you say I shall defend to the death your right to say it"

[B00]

and that, theonlyone, is how the degenerate into a mud slinging match...........

[Octavius]

A discussion can meander through many topics, whereas a debate is usually focussed on a single issue. An argument can arise from both, where opposing opinions cause consternation But most adults can debate and discuss with fertile minds and a broad spectrum of experiences, a myriad of opinions, a wealth of tolerances and a wee dram of common sense.

Dull is almost everything you write Doc, often without substantiation or passion.

If you see your role on AB as someone who upsets the general apple-cart of emotion and feelings, then why not follow Wardy�s lead � he does it ao much better and funnier than you.

[Doc Spock]

Just the apprentice octavius.

Have you tried politics, you talk a lot yet say nothing.

[Doc Spock]

Because theonlyone, I am of course right.

[stewey]

On this site, the difference between an argument, a discussion, and a debate is about the same as the difference between an alligator, a crocodile, and a piranha!..........Not much when it comes to end results.

[Pippa68]

I have you know that Octavius gets to the point far better than anyone else I know on here..well maybe with the exception of andy hughes.

Oct always says what I want to say, but as he has pointed out in the past I do it in a 'mini roundabout' kind of way.

[B00]

So on that premise Doc, no one can ever have a discussion or a debate with you considering you're so rigid in your views.

[Doc Spock]

You have to got to fight your corner Boo.

[theonlyone]

Nice one Oct ! Spockie think you should have therapy to try and combat your demons as you are not a happy person .

[chompu]

Your quote re free speech Doc. Descartes, French philosopher not politician. See you can't always be right.

[Octavius]

Pip, I think andy hughes is far more temperate than me. I aim to be straight to the point and tell it how it is, some like it some don�t. andy is just too nice sometimes! Most people need the occasional bit of tough love, not namby pamby wrapping up in cotton wool all the time!

People like Doc, need it straight (although evidently there is some contrasting speculation recently). Saying something �just for the sake of it� is hardly fighting your corner, more like a childish temper tantrum to see if you can get your own way.

Anyway, what�s that about mini-roundabouts?

[Doc Spock]

I am ecctatic, the only one.

Just having fun like a naughty youngster pulling legs off daddy longlegs.

[Doc Spock]

Straight and hard Octavius like you know who.