A thought occurred to me while watching a debate show on a regional language channel. The function of the two groups, probably for the purposes of the TRP of the show, was that they had to go logger heads with each other with their points on 'for' or 'against' the topic of discussion. Throughout the show, I noticed that a few members from the two groups were arguing on baseless statements. They appeared highly opinionated and narrow minded. The remaining members were simply there to fill the audience seats, I should hope! Well, since this was a show put up on television, I don't have much qualms about it, for media of today is mostly scripted, and I cannot place my statements based on what is told on television.
However, over the years that I have evolved as a true learner, I have realized that arguments can be healthy. They can aid in paving a proper channel for thought reception and processing. The sole purpose of an argument must lie in the fact that one must voice out one's opinions, and be open to listen to others' opinions. An individual must get to the crux of what forms one's opinions. He/she must understand that what is right to him/her may not be the same to the other. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for one to be non-judgemental and to be a patient listener. Understanding or looking at a situation from another individual's point of view would definitely open up vistas of new possibilities of learning.
When an individual becomes a good listener, he/she will eventually become compassionate, and this sort of a feeling is the need of the hour. Spreading the baseless arguments onto a larger scale, it is the dearth of patience and compassion, and the rise of power and authority, that nations have indulged in wars. No nation legalizes and heads a whole unit of arms and ammunition for their defence, the nation only makes sure that if an attack is going to happen, their nation should be empowered to destroy the other nations.
The whole process is a simple psychology! I don't carry weapons to protect myself, but to harm the other who has harmed me, and the 'revenge' should be double to cater to my satisfaction. And when I say 'weapon', it doesn't necessarily mean guns or grenades. There are weapons deadlier such as the 'Seven Deadly Sins' (greed, lust, envy, pride, wrath, sloth and gluttony).
Coming back to the actual point of a 'well-wrought argument', it is necessary for an individual to learn and think before speaking his/her mind out. Every individual is entitled to his/her own opinion, but this statement cannot be imposed on every opinions given in a discussion. If wrong, or if a new line of thought emerges, a true learner must and should accept and modify his/her thinking. In the end, arguments are meant to make an individual stronger and more empathetic to others and pressing issues.
This is what I personally believe of healthy arguments. Please do let me know if I have missed mentioning any vital point, and correct me if I am wrong.
I totally agree about the observation that one should be a good listener. As you said, healthy debates are an integral part of one's growth as a true learner
ReplyDeletePanda-- lost here,, but the write up talks through a well wrought argument. Why argue when it is down to a base of communication. The better it is the lesser a communication, however, if it's pure argument then yes information shared is good, but context setting best first
ReplyDeleteSathya - Thank you for reading through!
ReplyDeleteChandru - Thank you for pointing out my mistake. See, that's why I want you to read my scribbling! I really don't ponder much over choosing apt titles, but I feel that there is a thin line of difference between argument and communication. For me, I believe in allowing an individual to form his/her perceptions, and upon exchanging our ides, it may lead to arguments. But, it is irrelevant to me who wins in the argument. If people in an argument are benefited in terms of broader thinking, well, then everyone's a winner.
ReplyDeleteNice post. First let me talk about these arguments on TV sometimes it looks funny.
ReplyDeleteComing to your post - First of all why argument at all - if one needs to air their view or opinion, it should be based on facts and figures who ever puts them across will be good. But does it lead to any learning. I do accept that learning takes place due to listening effectively. In our tradition we always have these debates that lead to new ways of thinking, philosophy. I just was reading Amish new non-fiction that really states more on this. In your reply to the comment you wrote about the thin line of difference between communication and argument. I am not sure of it - to me argument only to make sure that my opinion is right where as communication is expression, can be logical or illogical effective or not.
Arun - I agree with you, Sir. Communication, for me, can lead to a simple ignoring of another person's opinions just to save the relationship. But when a formal debate is on platform, it is a must for one to listen, think and then speak.
ReplyDelete