I think the point of argument may be to win someone over to your side, but at a deeper more core level, it should be founded on this instead - to learn and grow and seek the truth. That may mean that my argument is wrong. In which case, why would I want to try to get someone onto my side? That doesn't always mean the other person is right automatically though. It is quite possible that we're both wrong, just about different things. Or that we both have elements of truth in what we are arguing. If an argument is only about who is right, and not about seeking truth, then no wonder we have a bunch of assholes in this nation. We're too busy worried about who is right and who can own the other side, rather than seeking truth and wisdom and listening to learn. Sometimes the best arguments that happen for me are not when I'm trying to convince someone of ideas, but rather, listening and learning about someone's argument and reasoning. I learn a whole lot more that way. And it allows me to examine my own arguements better.