Effective Debating

[Pint0 Xtreme]

Let's say someone makes an argument and they use an assertion to make their point. However, let's say you recognize that the premise they use to back up their argument is both irrelevant (red herring) and false. Which of the following actions would be more effective in winning the debate? Pointing out the irrelevancy of the premise or attacking the premise for being false?

It would seem as if pointing out the irrelevancy would be better as it rebuts the argument in a quick manner rather than dragging it into a sub-discussion of the validity of the premise. But at the same time, you're sort of letting someone lie without proper accountability. Which would be the first thing you would say?

[Jim Raynor]

I see this a lot when I debate retards. Why does it have to be one or the other? I always point out the red herring as well as refute it. The less material they have to carry on their BS, the better.

[Surlethe]

Let's say someone makes an argument and they use an assertion to make their point. However, let's say you recognize that the premise they use to back up their argument is both irrelevant (red herring) and false. Which of the following actions would be more effective in winning the debate? Pointing out the irrelevancy of the premise or attacking the premise for being false?

It would seem as if pointing out the irrelevancy would be better as it rebuts the argument in a quick manner rather than dragging it into a sub-discussion of the validity of the premise. But at the same time, you're sort of letting someone lie without proper accountability. Which would be the first thing you would say?

"Irrelevant premise, you lying cocksucker." That work? I would, I think, save the dissection of why the claim is false for the post-mortem of the debate.

[General Zod]

Why not simply point out both instead of one or the other? That way you show them to be an even bigger moron.

[Boyish-Tigerlilly]

I think pointing out that it's a red herring is better, because if you try to refute the claim, you are waisting your time, and you might give the impression that the irrelevant claim is worth addressing.

Personall, I think that detracts and distracts the audience.