Why do people argue?

1. 60

   Pedroemoseposted 13 years ago

   Why do people argue?
   
   What do you think is the motivation for people to get involved in heated debate?  What do you think, in general, is the basic goal of most heated debates you see?  What should be the motivation and/or goal?

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2. 0

   Sivisposted 13 years ago

   The common motivation, and goal, of arguments is to win the other person over to your point of view.  However, this is often done abrasively, which can quickly lead to nowhere as people get defensive and resort to merely defending their positions instead of trying to influence the other person to change theirs.
   
   I think the motivation/goal of an argument should not be to win over the other person, but to lay out your point of view and reasons for said view.  If done logically, and respectfully you might just win them over to your side, but only as an added bonus. 
   
   Furthermore, one could argue that arguments are simply essential thought experiments which allow us to test, change, or reinforce our beliefs on a variety of topics.

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3. 62

   Daffy Duckposted 13 years ago

   People have the need to be heard.  Also it is hard for most people to admit when they're wrong so they keep arguing.

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4. 73

   lburmasterposted 13 years ago

   To win of course. Who is more knowledgable? Who is right? Debaters are head strong with a high self-esteem. They believe they are right and will not stop until they are proven correct.

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5. 58

   peach7fuzzposted 13 years ago

   because they want to be right.  Most people have a lot of pride.

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6. 60

   IamMasterposted 13 years ago

   1) People are insecure and need to "win" in order to prove their dominance or their worth.
   2) Some are just competitive by nature, obsessed with winning at all costs.
   3) They might genuinely care about the subject, and want their point to be known because of that passion.
   4) Emotions play a part as well. Someone who is tired, hungry, had a bad day, angry, irritated, depressed, ect., are more likely to argue than someone who is happy and costing on life's natural high.

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7. 70

   TinaTangoposted 13 years ago

   Well, I know that I argue because I always have to be right, and always have to have things go as I plan.  I guess that's one of the negatives of growing up an only child....

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8. 64

   CARIBQUEENposted 13 years ago

   When people share different views on a particular topic and they become emotionally charged - it may tend to lead to an argument.  Sometime conflict of interests between persons can start an argument.  Exchanging of ideas is healthy but when it becomes heated it takes a different angle.

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9. 60

   saanj Hposted 13 years ago

   Hi
   
   I think its the perception that plays a vital role. Motivation and goal are secondary things. every person is distinct from the other. So, the thought process differs. This results in the difference of opinions thereby leading to a argument that heats up later.

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10. 38

    edhanposted 13 years ago

    People argue because at times they feel they are right and disagree with the other parties. But it is best to analyze what had been said before jumping into conclusion.
    
    I am a person who will be cool to analyze the situation before making any conclusion or judgement. There is always 2 sides of a coin. Sometimes, there is no right or wrong. So why gets heated up in conversation or argument?

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11. 40

    maria.roseposted 13 years ago

    People argue because of some form of misunderstanding, be it mental or verbal or physical, there is some aversion there to inflame to the level of argument, it is as simple as that.and Because that person has there way of things . The other person has there way of things.

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12. 0

    wilbury4posted 13 years ago

    We all have our own thoughts and opinions, and we all like to win!

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13. 61

    The Demon Writerposted 13 years ago

    Well I argue for enjoyment. Getting into an argument or debate makes you think and stimulates your mind. It encourages us to learn more and hear the ideas of others. It also encourages us to share our opinions and try to challenge the opinions of others. We cannot be afraid to share our views from fear of getting into an argument or causing a bit of controversy.
    One thing that ticks me off is when people say (usually about religious debate) that if you disagree you should stop spending so much time trying to convince others of your view. People can choose to listen to another point of view or not. If you don't wish to argue then don't. Just don't tell me not to because I enjoy it too much to stop!

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