The Detroit times., 1915-08-26
The Ethics of Controversy
BY DR.. FRANK CRANE
Copyright 1918. by Frank Crane)
lverything is disputable.

\
| am Willing 10 entertain arguments
IN support OF any proposition whatso-
ever.
II YOU want 60 defend theft, mayhem,
adultery. or murder. state your case,
bring on your reasons; for in endeavor-
/ ing 20 prove an indefensible thing YOU
discover for yourself how foolish is your
thesis.
But il is essential to any controversy,
( II 1t is to be OF any use, first, that the
issue be clearly understood by both
sides.
Most contentious amount merely to a
difference of definition. Agree, therefore,
exactly upon what it is you are discuss
ing. II possible, set down your state
ments III writing.
Most argument is wandering from
the subject a confusion Of the question,
an increasing divergence from the point.
Stick to the matter in hand
When your adversary brings in sub
jects not relevant, do not attempt TO an
Swer them. Ignore them, lest you both
go astray and drift into empty vitupera-
ton
For instance, President Wilson, in the
Iusitania incident, called Germany's at
tention 10 the fact that her submarines
had destroyed a merchant ship upon the
nigh seas. the whole point being that
this had been done without challenge or
search and without giving non-cOmbat-
ant citizens OF a neutral country a chance
for their lives Germany's reply discuss
ed points that had no bearing upon this
issue. such as various acts OF England.
Mr. Wilson, in his reply wisely refused
90 discuss these irrelevant things, an eX-
ample of intelligent controversy.
Keep cool The worse your case, the
louder your voice.
BE courteous. Avoid epithets. Do
not use language calculated 10 anger or
offend your opponent. Such terms
weaken the strength Of your position.
4 controversy is a conflict Of reasons,
not OF passions. The more heat the less
sense
Keep down your ego. DO not boast.
Do not emphasize what you think, what
YOU believe, and what YOU feel: but try
10 put forth such statements as will in
duce your opponent 10 think believe and
feel nationally.
Wait. Give your adversary all the
time he wants to vent his views. Let
him talk himself out Wait your turn,
and begin only when he is through.
Agree with him as far as you can.
Give due weight, and little more, to his
opinions. II was the art of Socrates,
the greatest Of controversaliSts, 10 let
q man run the length Of his rope, that
Is, % talk until he had himself seen the
absurdity Of his contention.
Most men argue simply TO air their
convictions Give them room. Often
when they have fully exhausted their
notions they will come gently back to
where YOU want them. They are best
convinced when they convince them
selves
Avoid tricks. catches and the like. Do
not take advantage OF your opponents
slip Of the tongue Let him have the
impression that you are treating him
fairly.
DO not get into any discussion unless
you can make il sincere effort to dis
cover the truth, and not to overcome,
outtalk. or humiliate your opponent
DO not discuss nj all with one who has
his mind made up beforehand 1t is
usually profitless 90 argue upon religion,
because as a rule mems opinions here
are reached not by reason but by feeling
or by custom. Nothing is more interest
ing and profitable. however, than to dis
cuss religion with an open-minded per-
son, yet such a one is a very rare bra.
If you meet a man full Of egotism or
prejudices. do not argue with him. Let
him have his say agree with him as You
can. and for the rest-smile.
Controversy may be made n most
friendly and helpful exercise, If IT be UNI
dertaken by two well-tempered and cour.
teous minds.
Vain contention, on the contrary is of
no use except 10 deepen enmity.
Controversy is game for strong
minds contention is game for the weak
and undisciplined
cotton FOR Japan.