Crappy argument tactics

[Rageaholic]

With all due respect () you forgot one. Using 'formal education' as a club. Example : Oh I studied x for 4 years at Y university, so I know this and you can't possibly be right. Ok..it all honesty any 'my background' arguments irk me. Especially when dealing with OPINIONS or things left open to interpretation.

I've met Ivy league graduates that have no common sense, and sometimes I wonder how they even know how to breath. I've met people who never went passed Elementary School, who were some of the wisest people I know. Of course, yes.. I've met very intelligent college graduates .

Sometimes I am guilty of giving examples of things that I've experienced, but I try never to use it as a "This is why I have to be right, and you have to be wrong."

Yeah that one annoys me too. Academic knowledge is useful, but it doesn't mean other views are invalid. Some things are philosophical and don't need to be studied or analyzed to make an informed opinion on. I feel the same way about articles. I have nothing against those who use them as a source to backup their opinion, but that doesn't mean they automatically win. I can still disagree with a law dictating personal decisions even if there are studies that show the benefits of said law. Besides, the studies aren't always perfect.

[Ipecac Drano]

Academic knowledge is useful, but it doesn't mean other views are invalid.

If you feel a sharp pain in your left chest, are going to ask a palm reader about it or see a cardiologist?

Some things are philosophical and don't need to be studied or analyzed to make an informed opinion on. I feel the same way about articles. I have nothing against those who use them as a source to backup their opinion, but that doesn't mean they automatically win.

Sadly, there are people who cannot make the distinction between fact and opinion. Opinions are fine where philosophical things are being discussed, but pretty worthless where something quantifiable is the issue.

I can still disagree with a law dictating personal decisions even if there are studies that show the benefits of said law. Besides, the studies aren't always perfect.

That's true, but if you're being stopped by a policeman, good luck telling him that you disagree with the reason he is arresting you.

[Rageaholic]

If you feel a sharp pain in your left chest, are going to ask a palm reader about it or see a cardiologist?

I'll see the doctor, but that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about actual debate subjects like politics and religion.

Sadly, there are people who cannot make the distinction between fact and opinion. Opinions are fine where philosophical things are being discussed, but pretty worthless where something quantifiable is the issue.

Of course.

That's true, but if you're being stopped by a policeman, good luck telling him that you disagree with the reason he is arresting you.

Unfortunately true, but that doesn't mean cops are always right.

[Ipecac Drano]

I'll see the doctor, but that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about actual debate subjects like politics and religion.

That may be, but some of those subjects can be decided by data provided by an authority and can devalue another person's opinion.

Unfortunately true, but that doesn't mean cops are always right.

I'm just referring to the cop who does things by the book. One may not agree with the law that is being enforced, but the cop still has a job to do.

[AdminAssistant]

Example : Oh I studied x for 4 years at Y university, so I know this and you can't possibly be right. Ok..it all honesty any 'my background' arguments irk me.

Yeah, but sometimes it counts for something. I know quite a bit about art (especially performing arts) and history because that's what I've been studying for 9 years. When it comes to those topics, I really hate it when people think I'm wrong because the Internet said something different. Or higher education. I know a helluva lot about college. Don't dismiss what I say. I've been doing it for 9 frickin' years. I know.

In other words, a person with a Ph.D. in PoliSci knows more about politics than you do.

[Mytical]

Yeah, but sometimes it counts for something. I know quite a bit about art (especially performing arts) and history because that's what I've been studying for 9 years. When it comes to those topics, I really hate it when people think I'm wrong because the Internet said something different. Or higher education. I know a helluva lot about college. Don't dismiss what I say. I've been doing it for 9 frickin' years. I know.

In other words, a person with a Ph.D. in PoliSci knows more about politics than you do.

To an extent, I'd agree with you. For instance, I would concede that you would know the history of a piece of art much better. Unless there is a document that states what the piece stands for in the artists own words, however..your interpretation of what the piece means would be no more valid then another persons.

On history, no doubt you would know names and dates much better then I. Which is not really subjective. You can have all the solid facts in the world, but it really doesn't affect subjective matters at all. If I am successfully conveying my point.

When it comes to subjective matters, formal education is nice..but it does not make somebody's opinion any more valid then anybody elses.

[Ipecac Drano]

To an extent, I'd agree with you. For instance, I would concede that you would know the history of a piece of art much better. Unless there is a document that states what the piece stands for in the artists own words, however..your interpretation of what the piece means would be no more valid then another persons.

Sometimes that doesn't stop people. I can't remember who it was, but an author was given a gross misinterpretation of his own novel by a reader(?). The person kept regailing the author with his own take on it for some length of time. After patiently listening to the man, the author sternly told the guy, "Uh, excuse me, but I wrote it.", to which everyone else applauded the author.

When it comes to subjective matters, formal education is nice..but it does not make somebody's opinion any more valid then anybody elses.

That's why opinions are overrated across the board.