Why I argue

I have been called argumentative, disputatious, a vexatious nuisance, oppositional, a disagreement looking for an opportunity, and far worse.

 With these descriptions, I would not argue. The folks who say these things are correct. But I wonder if they know why I like to argue?

Not to win. Not to prove a point. Not to sell a position. Not to convince.

No, I argue because it makes all the participants support their positions and document their assertions, it clarifies the issues, it enhances the value of the discussion, and it increases the chance of finding an applicable answer.