> It's not that I actively want to 'prove someone wrong', but part of the way I learn is through argument; expressing my disagreement in the hope that the other person will prove me wrong and I might learn something.
Start prefacing your respones with "I'm just playing Devil's advocate here, but ..."
> I'm compelled to launch into a logical argument with them right there and then
People use methods other than logic to select actions/ideas, and will recognize methods other than logic to defend actions/ideas. It sucks but it's the truth.
Unless you are in a space that is dedicated to logic, like forums about computers, programming, or engineering, it's rare you will really "win" any of these conflicts or have any lasting effect, and it's rare pure logical arguments are actually welcomed.
If you want to make people act a different way and continue to do so over a period if time, many more tools other than logic are needed.
Start prefacing your respones with "I'm just playing Devil's advocate here, but ..."
> I'm compelled to launch into a logical argument with them right there and then
People use methods other than logic to select actions/ideas, and will recognize methods other than logic to defend actions/ideas. It sucks but it's the truth.
Unless you are in a space that is dedicated to logic, like forums about computers, programming, or engineering, it's rare you will really "win" any of these conflicts or have any lasting effect, and it's rare pure logical arguments are actually welcomed.
If you want to make people act a different way and continue to do so over a period if time, many more tools other than logic are needed.