Response to Hollihan and Baaske Q's by Myra Haq

2. I would say that this statement is not one hundred percent true. Although I agree with the idea that we do not readily engage ourselves in discourse with which we disagree, there are certain types of people that enjoy engaging in debate with others who do not share similar beliefs. Thus, the opportunity to share one’s specific point of view and possibly expand their argument to disallow future refutation is engendered.
It is healthy to come across a conversation in which views which are in opposition to one’s own are presented. If the only discussions that people had with one another were ones in which both parties agreed with everything the other person expressed, there would be significantly less opportunity to broaden one’s views. In addition, it is important for people to respect the opinions and positions of others even when they are drastically different. Arguments are often strengthened when they are challenged; therefore, active listening is a necessary component to argument. As the arguer, it is beneficial to present the argument in such a way that the listeners will want to listen, and perhaps be persuaded to the arguer’s position. Both arguers and listeners need to beware of hot buttons that could essentially disallow their conversation to take place because of the sensitive nature of hot buttons or certain topics.
It would be very challenging for one to avoid discourse with which one disagrees. I do not think that there is anyone who does not have a point of view on some subject that may be conflicting with someone else’s. If someone were to agree with every other argument or point of view, that person would have no jurisdiction within argument because they do not seem to have an opinion of their own at all. Personal stances are of high importance when it comes to making a valid argument. If the argument is meant to persuade an audience, how would one do so if he or she did not appear to agree or disagree with a particular side of the argument?
If one ignores discourse that one disagrees with, the opportunity to further educate oneself is lost. Presenting a biased point of view is not helpful when making an effective argument. A good arguer is one who does not completely discard the rebuttal. Acknowledging the fact that there may be another side to an argument makes the argument for one side or another all the more strong and effective. It demonstrates that the person has taken these views into account and has possibly drawn up further argument to refute them.
Partaking in discourse which presents views that are in opposition to our own not only allows us to further educate ourselves, but allows us to strengthen our own arguments when it comes time to presenting our own opinions.