I’ve said many times, one of the things that bluegrass and baseball have in common is, they’re both fun to argue about. Bill Monroe or Jimmy Martin? Mickey Mantle or Joe DiMaggio? One of the life’s little pleasures is arguing back and forth the points that make either baseball or bluegrass special. Generally this is done cordially, albeit with a little heat. But I don’t know of any actual friendships destroyed over these genial squabbles.
It’s important to remember (as the classic Monty Python sketch pointed out) that true argument is an intellectual process, with points being proffered to try and persuade someone to your point of view. Done well, it may change someone’s mind, simply by the careful examination of the pillars of logic that supports one’s side on the matter.
Emotional arguments, although, don’t apply. It’s unlikely even a careful well thought out – even brilliant – argument will make someone switch emotional allegiances to one bluegrass player (or baseball player) over another.
Other arguments are more important – they truly seek to change someone’s point of view – through point-by-point logic. Here are a things to remember when arguing.
Avoid the Ad Hominum Attack
This is where you seek to bolster your side of view by simply attacking the person who has the other point of view. This is not a logical approach and does not effectively advance your side of the argument.
Beware the Non-Sequiter
This is where someone in an argument, sometimes uses a non-related statement as part of their argument. Stick to the point, if you want to score points.
Understand You May Not Succeed
This is true for several reasons. Folks may choose to cling to their point of view despite your point-by-point logical barrage. It may because they’re stubborn or stupid, or sometimes, reasonable people can view the same points of evidence and come to different conclusions. In situations like this, you’re at an impasse. But further argument, at some point is fruitless and just grinds everybody down.
Arguing over trivial matters like baseball and bluegrass is great fun. Arguing over important matters is stimulating, but can become very rancorous. If it’s with someone with whom you can amiable agree to disagree at the end of it, both parties grow from listening to, and considering alternative points of view even when their own point view remains unchanged. Think about that!
