The difference between an argument and a discussion.

Sometimes the concepts of "dispute" and "discussion" are used as absolute synonyms. But this is not entirely true, and the difference in the meaning of these words still exists. Let's try to understand everything and find out how the dispute differs from the discussion.

Definition

Dispute is a form of communication where there is a disagreement between the parties. In a dispute, there is something that is absent in ordinary dialogue - a pronounced desire to prove oneself in the right.

Discussion is also a kind of controversy. But only in the sense that each of its participants has their own position, which he communicates to the rest. At the same time, the discussion is in many ways unlike an ordinary dispute.

Comparison

Let us first turn to the goals. Why do people argue? In order to get the opponent to accept a certain point of view. It may be objectively incorrect, but nevertheless, the disputant wants to win over the other side. What is the purpose of the discussions? In order to come to the truth in some issue or solve a problem through a comparison of several points of view.

The difference between a dispute and a discussion is that in a dispute, opinions are always mutually opposite. An argument is a clash, a kind of conflict. It often involves two parties. The discussion is close to discussion. The points of view in it are not always clearly contradictory, they can simply be different. The discussion is usually a public event.

The dispute originates from the thesis, that is, some statement that one side considers true, and the other - false. The discussion is usually conducted on a specific topic. It is often used to enhance the learning process. At scientific conferences, they also discuss more than argue.

In general, the discussion is something more global. Unlike a dispute that often arises over minor issues, it focuses on important aspects and often raises deep theoretical issues. The discussion is usually lengthy. As new portions of information are added, the course of the discussion in it can change many times.

Expanded argumentation is an important feature of the discussion. At the same time, the interlocutors do not try to convince each other by all means. On the contrary, all points of view are taken into account. In a dispute, even opinions supported by weighty arguments are often ignored, the opposite position is sharply criticized.

What is the difference between controversy and debate yet? There is often an emotional factor in a dispute. The intensity of passions is very high, as a result of which insults, personalization and a showdown are possible. In a discussion, people do not succumb to emotions to the detriment of logic. As a rule, its participants are competent persons who, in order to find the optimal solution, are able to be tolerant of a different opinion.

Table

Dispute Discussion
The goal is to defeat the opponentThe goal is to find the truth, to solve the problem
Opposing opinionsDifferent, not necessarily opposite, opinions
Most often there are two sidesPublic phenomenon
Originates from the thesisConducted on a specific topic
The subject of the dispute is not always very significantThe issue of discussion is usually quite important
Evidence may be lackingDetailed argumentation
The opposite position is criticizedAll points of view are taken into account
Often there is an emotional factorReason prevails
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