Ive been in the middle of numerous arguments and honestly, the cause for arguments changes depending on the situation.
On one hand, someone could be ruining a topic where good conversation is to be had. Ill argue against them in a hostile way. Ill be straight forward about it on purpose, because I see it as the best way to deal with it. The best way to deal with an "asshat" is to call them out for it. It happened a fair while back, I got myself banned for it, but it worked. He stopped and the community he was winding up instead wisened(sp?) up.
On another hand, I could be arguing with someone over something as trivial as generations. Its not hostile. Its not fierce. There is no venom mixed in with words to try get a rise. Its as just putting my own point of view out there. Why? I do not know. I guess its to do with getting the other guy to "see sense" so to say.
Its healthy to debate. Its educational. You learn new things from every debate/argument and you also have the opportunity to teach at the same time.
I think arguing is human nature. No two people share the exact opinions, arguing is inevitable.
Edit: Great thread btw. Kudos.
