Debating is a formal method of interactive and representational argument. Debate is a broader form of argument than logical argument which only examines consistency from axiom, and factual argument, which only examines what is or isn't the case, or rhetoric which is a technique of persuasion. Though logical consistency, factual accuracy and some degree of emotional appeal to the audience are important elements of the art of persuasion, in debating, one side often prevails over the other side by presenting a superior "context" and/or framework of the issue which is far more subtle and strategic. Its not name calling. Or being judgemental about someone's character. Gratuitous verbal abuse or "name-calling" itself is not a logical fallacy. The fallacy only occurs if personal attacks are employed in the stead of an argument to devalue an argument by attacking the speaker, not personal insults in the middle of an otherwise sound argument. Let's think before we speak. Let's be rational. Let's debate healthy.
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