An idiot's guide to argumentation and debate

Gai Eaton, a writer and philosopher expresses a simple, yet often forgotten principle about debate and argument:

"Argument and discussion pre-supposes some common ground shared by those involved. When no common ground exists, confusion and misunderstanding are unavoidable, if not anger." [Source.]

Sorrowfully, much of our discussions become victim to this common neglect about knowing what our basic assumptions are - it happens in universities as well, no surprise...