Classification of Arguments

No matter what one's age is, one must accept the fact that there is always something to learn. There are several ways to learn topics of one's interest, especially in this information age. Either formally or informally, everyone goes through checkpointing their learning via arguing or debating. From ancient times Indians have classified the argumentation techniques into three kinds. 

The Nyayasutras and Shastrarthas are just a couple of references where these are documented.

The three types of arguments are:

1. Vāda: This is the method of arguing in which the objective is to know the truth pertaining to a certain question.
2. Jalpa: This is an argument in which a disputant insists on their own opinion and completely refutes that of the adversary either by disdainful replies or retorts.
3. Vitanda: This type consists of idly carping at the arguments or assertions of another without attempting to establish or prove their own claims.

Without a doubt, Vāda is the best way to attempt any debate. Thus says, Lord Sri Krishna in Bhagavad Gita (Ch.10, śloka 32):

सर्गाणामादीरन्तश्च मध्यं चैवाहमर्जुन |
अध्यात्मविद्या विद्यानां वादः प्रवदतामहम् ||
Meaning of the śloka: Of creations, I am the beginning and the middle and also the end; of all knowledges, I am the knowledge of the Self, and Vāda of disputants.

Let us make sincere efforts to keep our mind open and ensure to follow Vāda while engaging in arguments in order to know the truth pertaining to our queries.




Reference:

The Bhagavad Gita: With the commentaries of Adi Sri Sankaracharya, Samata Books