Debate, Discussion, Argument

[KichigaiNeko]

Ok I'll fess up.... these were never clearly defined to me so one could say I have never taken Philosophy and they would be correct. (It was never on the curriculum at my school)

So... for me the definitions run thus:-

Debate:
A formal structure where combatants 1. State their views, 2. Argue why their opponents views are wrong, 3. Conclude why their view is the correct one

Discussion:
A free flowing conversation (liken to most threads on AF.org) Where combatants strive to put forward their views; no conclusion necessary. Also could be viewed as a learning experience, where a modicum of civility is desired and required

Argument:
A free for all where human inadequacies can and often do come to the fore; where all rules are suspended and petty point scoring is the name of the game.

So what are your definitions? Please don't slink off to the Webster or Oxford for a definition...I WANT YOUR definition, how you see these words and what they mean,

Disclaimer: I don't hold the franchise on the definitions of these words. The above is what I conceive these to mean

[Something completely different]

Actualy, my definition is the same as yours.

[KichigaiNeko]

Actualy, my definition is the same as yours.

Thank you TGAC for responding.

I am impressed that basic education is so much more now than when I was at High School/ College

[Kayenneh]

I like your definitions Kichi! Here is a flow chart (blatantly stolen from Atheism Resource, sorry, sorry!) that explains in my mind how a discussion should work:

[Tempus]

I distinguish between arguments and fights; I can enjoy the former but not the latter. As I understand it, a debate has a set subject. A specific point regarding the subject is then argued. Arguments are what bring (or attempt to bring) a debate to its conclusion, with each side taking turns arguing the various sub points of their stance. My definition of discussion is more or less the same as yours, Kichi. Though I'd add that discussion rarely seems adhere to any topic for too long.

Hm, re-reading what I've written it might be useful to distinguish between everyday usage and formal / academic definitions here. Depending on the context they are used in, the words have different meanings. For example, the argument in "my friend and I had an argument" is different from "the presidential candidate put forth their argument", where one is referring to a fight and the other to a structured ... thing. Yeah it's 4am, my brain is dying. Again.

[The Grand Nudger]

Debate- An event in which entertainers appeal to the audience in order to garner support for a position.

Discussion- That which flows freely from alcohol, particularly when the alcohol itself flows freely.

Argument- A redress of grievances or differences from which both parties will walk away considering themselves victorious, yet somehow slighted in victory.