Thanks for this post. I've noticed that if I reply to someone they think I am attacking and that I should not be able to do this. If I disagree with you I am only trying to make you think. For the most part there are more attackers on Facebook than anywhere else I've found. If someone's info is wrong just post a link to a trusted site that gets the info right and that should settle it. This can be done without pages of debate, and I do not like debate. The problem with debate is that the original subject is lost in all the ongoing pages of reply.

Those who view a difference of opinion as an attack also feel justified in attacking others themselves. There seems to be levels of maturity and certain traits that go along with them. When you're mature enough not to automatically view a difference of opinion as an attack, your also mature enough not to feel the need to attack to defend your point.

Love this

This reminds me the pyramid of argument.
The 2 highest levels bring the discussion forward, The second level corrodes the power of an argument until you have enough "argument power" to go to the highest level.
Not always the second level will bring to the first, sometimes it ill just change the conclusions accepting part of the arguments, combining with new ones that will go to a different conclusion, those are the nicest discussions in my opinion and are in the politely disagreement that can come to a nice synthesis, bringing a new agreement out of the disagreement.

The third level create parallel discussions, because it does not talk with the first argument. It is useful on political debate to change the subject, but on an structured argument, it only expands and create confusion. Should be used only after the first level is achieved.

The fourth level just puts smoke on the discussion and does not create even an alternative route, it is pure distraction.

The lower levels don't even need comments XD

This old man has a few wise words.

I enjoy a good argument. I'm not likely to care enough to take offense if someone chucks a bit of dirt my way.

Dialogue is what allows people to not only modify but expand their thinking. Critical analysis will allow someone to see how the other arrives at their rationale. Respect of others is required for this.

depends on the differences are one can say my oppion you are stupid and the saying no you are. The only truth is if still beleive in things that are not backed from facts then that makes you stupid. If you vote for people out to screw you and others that is stupid. those stupid people will be offended for telling them the truth.

Someone once said, it's a mark of an educated mind entertain a thought even if he/she would not accept it

A discussion isn't really a discussion if we agree on everything. It's why we have discussions.

I actually blocked someone last week, which I have NEVER done before, because he got extremely angry and hostile and went to personal attacks because I expressed a point of view about the differences between men and women that disagreed with his.

Yes, the passion of debate can certainly bring out anger in people. My pet peeve is when people get into petty name calling (the most recent was when someone called someone a "dumbass" ). I think it's just rude and immature. I love using this platform to share opinions, facts, etc.

and have a fucking sense of humor. Just saying.

I learned fairly quickly that some people on here don't abide by this simple etiquette. Shame.

Sounds like good advice.

I agree. While I often attack ideas, the person behind the ideas does (I assume) believe what they are touting.

Absolutely

You are a very wise young man.

I'll have a discussion but not an argument.
I try to go by this, sometimes I lose it and that's on me. I think I'm getting a little better at controlling it, I hope anyway

So long as your opinion does mean the destruction or dehumanization of other human beings rights, it's fine with me.

I think it depends on perspective..
I have got into arguements with people who it seemed like they were attacking (either me , or a gender or a group) .. looking back, i think they actually believed whole heartedly that what they were spouting was just an "opinion " even though not once , on anything they said was phrased as an opinion.

Big thing, as you mentioned.. be polite about .
If they can't (or i can't).. then i am tempted to just block or ignore that person.. especially if it looks like no common middle ground is possible.

I agree but it is human nature to respond when someone writes abusive comments direct at you.

If you're using insults, it means you're running out of arguments and you should have a second look at your ideas.

Ideally i think you're right. In reality it depends on the person(s) you are speaking to IMHO.

I think that it can be vigorously, but with respect for the other person...throwing ‘dirt’ is not my idea of respect!