Arguing both sides?

@ Bluebellwould of course it can! This is the basis of HE, doing a degree for example teaches you how to argue with evidence to back it up…

How many time do we start with ‘according to’!! ?

I'm a big fan of playing "devil's advocate" - I often do it with my husband, even when I actually believe the same as him. When I did English Language for O Level we had to write, amongst other things, what were called "argumentative essays". We were given a subject, for example fox hunting, then had to state the case for both sides and finally giving our own opinion (with reasons why) at the end of the essay.

I often play Devils Advocate on GN threads.

I used to do that with my ex.
It never took long for the peace loving hippy (him) to get raging mad and start saying very peaceful things.

Unpeaceful.

Like Urm I like to throw the other viewpoint into the discussion to get a response, especially when the posts are too one sided.
What worries me is how Universities seem to be banning anything that challenges the students' views in case it upsets them. That is a dreadful way to go. They need to hear the other side not stay hidden in their 'safe spaces'.

Remember - opinions first, arguments second!

Me too Urm. Then I think, sheesh, what sort of a person will they think I am ? Some bitter ole bid but then it is fun, sometimes, too. Gets us talking at least. When I was at school in London they used to teach us to take opposing sides in debates and never believe anything without questions.

Like most people, we were taught to make a case for both sides of a controversy, but I don't think I ever deliberately argue for something I don't believe in 'in real life' - life's too short!

I do think that it's important to really consider where the other 'side' is coming from, though. For one thing, they may be right, and for another, you have to be able to predict their opposition to your point of view if you are going to be able to argue against it. I think that's the stage at which I am most likely to change my mind - if I am wondering what 'they' are going to say, think of something, then can't find a way to counter it, then I really reconsider my own point of view, and sometimes change it altogether. Other times, though, I become further entrenched, as I have more reasons for feeling as I do.

I think that's different from simply 'seeing both sides' but rejecting the other one, and it's very different from sitting on the fence, but maybe I'm saying the same thing in a different way.

Like JackieB I find it hard to firmly make a decisiion. Without self doubting afterwards.
I'm a Pisces, and their sign is 2 fishes swimming in opposite directions. And I hate hostile quarrels so give in easily to keep the peace.