Stoic debate

How does a Stoic approach an argument or debate?

The four stoic values apply wisdom, justice, courage and moderation.

Wisdom implies that we acknowledge our nature as beings of reason, meaning we act from the best of our reasoning capability in that we search for truth irrespective our existing position on a debate. The door remains open to our best view of the facts on the table and differentiating between what is fact and what is merely opinion. When we use reason we put a high regard on logic as the underlying governance that drives the debate. We seek the logic in another opinion, and we test the logic for its consistency, integrity and coherency. If we find one view superior based on logic we accept that view and argue it further. If a viewpoint has an obvious flaw, false premise or flaw we reject that reasoning. If we have doubt whether any of the arguments are superior in term of logic we follow a constructivist approach assuming both reflect something of the truth and that our difference lies in our own ignorance not to see the unity of the two or to see a flaw in one that is wrong. So the search continues and the debate continues until we find a better solution that has no ambiguity within it or that is superior to the existing arguments.

Justice implies an acknowledgement of our social nature. Philosophy begins with fellow-kindness. So irrespective the degree of difference we always respect the other person for who they are. We might perceive something they promote as unfair and reject that argument but that does not mean we do not respect the other person. So in essence we accept the right of everybody to have an opinion but with the responsibility to defend the reasonableness and justice of an argument. So everybody must be listened to with due consideration during an argument and debate and there argument looked at in full. But we also have the right to test it and weigh it.

Courage is needed to stand up for what you know is right, reasoned and tested. Sometimes the other person is a person of importance or the voice of a majority. To stand your own ground because you truly know your view is right against powers are truly the inherent power of the Stoic. This done without getting upset or getting emotional. It is done by simply keeping the focus on the rightness of the reasoning we follow. A Stoic places his own reasoning and mind above other opinions because the Stoic followed through to test each of his premises, challenge each conclusion and truly investigated other arguments with care and consideration. When that is done, then it is time to stand firm on a position because a Stoic can only stand by that which is defined by being coherent, logical and truthful.

Moderation means never to be caught up in extremes. There is a calm confidence, rather than arrogance, with a Stoic, having exercised the best of his reasoning ability and having showed an openness to truly investigate alternatives. So the Stoic may deliver a passionate plea for a cause but in the end it is the reason and logic that must be victorious. The idea is important not the person presenting the idea. Good arguments tested and logical will stood the test of time and cannot be vanquished.

So how does a Stoic conduct himself?