FiatLux

It is also important to find some common ground. Is you and the opposite side of argument are operating under completely different premises, you should discuss those premises first and adjust basis or your counterarguments accordingly. Otherwise you will continue argue about two different things.

And if you will not be able to refute his arguments, well, maybe it is you who should change your mind? At least on some issues.

@apaul I am not aware of who this Spencer guy is, and I am willing to give you that he is as evil as it can get, worse that Stalin. But it does not diminish his arguments in any way. He managed to convince you step son by his arguments, you can analyze those arguments, and provide counterarguments. You will get nowhere by calling him bigot/evil/whatever or otherwise resorting to ad hominem.

@henning "their obviously false position" is quite a red flag, isn't it?