Debating part 2, A Common Trap

So you are debating a flat Earther and you fail to come up with proof of a globe Earth. But you are in luck because in this hypothetical, the flat head was the one who stated the Earth was flat and so he has the burden of proof.

The Burden of Proof is a common trap you will fall into while debating, and thus knowing how to prevent falling into said trap is a must. So basically, the burden of proof states that when two parties are in a discussion and one makes a claim that the other disputes, the one who makes the claim typically has a burden of proof to justify or substantiate that claim especially when it challenges a perceived status quo. So if you say that, "The Earth is flat" it is up to you to prove it.

So what does this have to do with debating I hear you ask? Everything, almost...The Burden of Proof can be avoided by not postulating anything you cannot prove is true. Simple as that.

But say you have gotten yourself into a BOP situation and you need an out, well your options differ depending on what you are debating. Science or philosophy? Point out that an absence of proof is not proof of an absence.

But the most effective way to avoid this trap is to realize that some people don't have the capacity to do 15 minutes of research, cough flat Earthers Cough, but in all seriousness, Debates and arguments wont cause someone to change there mind. More often then not it just leaves both parties upset. So if someone tells you the Earth is flat or that vaccines are bad, just nod your head and keep walking because at the end of the day, nothing changes.