When is it right to argue?

Socrates had a filter he used before saying anything;

First is it True?

Second, Is it Good?

and thirdly, Is it useful?

Mind you they poisoned him! Though they say he never lost an argument!

First of all the word argue doesn't mean getting close to punching someone in the face. If someone makes a statement which you disagree with then, during peaceful discussion, you put forward your case and your reasons (arguments) which support your point of view.

Some people call it debating. Each side presents its arguments and it's up to the rest of the people present to accept or reject them.

I have very strong opinions, but if I get into a discussion, I try to formulate my argument and at least give those who do not agree with my standpoint something to think about.

I think it depends on the topic and the situation. The first question I ask myself before responding in an argument is "can I contribute something that will benefit someone" or "Is there anything I can say that will help this person in any way?" Which is ironic because I'm not actually a utilitarian in outlook.

Sometimes I respond because I'm annoyed, but I find the delete key really helpful at such times, especially when I'm reading questions on Yahoo.

Argue if the issue in hand important. Some people don't like to argue & end up allowing all sorts of shenanigans to take place. If the issue isn't important why bother? The important thing to remember is to have the ability to tell what is actually important & what actually isn't.

One should argue, or at least state an opinion, when silence would give the erroneous impression that one agrees with what is being said.

In philosophy, an argument is "a connected series of statements or propositions, some of which are intended to provide support, justification or evidence for the truth of another statement or proposition."

(IEP)

Emotion should be kept out of it.

Other kinds of argument are nothing to do with philosophy.

There is a middle ground where you state your opinion, let your friend sate his, and then drop the subject before it turns into an argument. You don't have to always agree.

To argue only show ones inability to accept others for whom they are: The inability to let them make their own mistakes: The inability to let them be wrong. Don't get me wrong, I do my share of arguing and I do get my share of things being my way, but I also see it as my fault not my strength. There is also the social factor. After all, we don't want to look like a push over, or weak. But vanity and ego are different issues.

A great man once said " Too often we would like others to learn from our mistakes but we forget that the only way we learned was through our own".

Why argue, if the person won't listen to reason, allow the consequence of the action taken be their guide and instructor.

Two men are arguing - one smart, one insane. To the outside observer who is more insane? The crazy man or the smart man for trying to argue with him?