Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with argue

Word for, less hassle to comply despite legal right to refuse?

vanoakenfold — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 19:25:47 -0800

Is there a term for a situation where, despite the fact that it would be within one's legal rights to refuse, simple compliance would save more hassle than arguing the point? I'm currently in an online discussion regarding my outright favor toward people showing their receipt to the receipt-checker at the exit of a retail store. Simple compliance with a hassle-free (if you have equal or greater manual dexterity than say, a manatee) request like this is far beyond any hassle that would occur than if one were to attempt establish the right as true and getting company security involved, etc., considering it is direct refusal to cooperate with a fatuously uncomplicated request (otherwise being a major red flag that you're being dishonest, despite whether you are completely innocent). It's like outrightly refusing to breathe in deeply when a doctor asks you to -- you don't legally have to, but umm.. hello. I digress.

Is there perhaps also a term to therefore describe a person who believes compliance to such an incalculably insignificant hassle is far simpler than to stir up trouble by refusing, demanding to speak to management, etc, despite the perfectly (but lesser known) legal right to refuse?

Good career for lover of oral argument?

shivohum — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 10:24:21 -0800

I love arguing with people -- orally walking them through their premises, disputing their conclusions, bringing up cool new analogies and information, and learning and teaching in the process. I want to do this all day long and get paid for it. Career recommendations? I'm in law school, but I'm not going to restrict myself to careers requiring a JD (though they're a plus).

I love the speed and adrenaline and friendly competition of a good argument... I don't want a job where I have to prepare 98% of the time and argue 2%. I want a job where I get to argue almost all of the time.

Ideas?

How to improve debating/arguing skills and general eloquence.

thegeezer3 — Thu, 18 May 2006 02:25:26 -0800

How do i go about improving my arguing/debating skills? Obviously i know that going to some debating club is an obvious answer but i dont feel confident enough with my current ability.

Since a child i have always lacked confidence when expressing myself. I found writing essays difficult and even sometimes when disscussing topics I would always end up saying "Oh whats that word" or worse end up waffling. Im also a non confrontational person which means i never had lots of opportunities to improve. I dont want to become better to win verbal fights. I just want to be able to express my opinions and feel and look confident when i do so.

Are there any good sites/books or excercises i should read or do?

Christian Hypnosis Secrets Revealed

bigmusic — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 20:07:16 -0800

I understand what right wing christians are upset about, but how do I get them to understand and not dismiss my beliefs?