The author of the expression "truth is born in a dispute" is traditionally considered the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates. However, some researchers claim that Socrates had a completely different view.
What did Socrates really say?
In fact, Socrates denied the fact that truth can be born in a dispute, contrasting it with a dialogue of equal people, none of whom consider themselves smarter than the other. Only in such a dialogue, in his opinion, is the search for truth possible. In order to understand exactly where the truth is found out, it is necessary to distinguish between different types of communication: dispute, discussion, dialogue. In principle, the difference between them is quite arbitrary, but it does exist. A dispute is simply an attempt by each of the parties to convince the others of their point of view. Such a discussion is rarely constructive and reasoned, largely based on emotions. As for the discussion, this is a type of discussion of a controversial issue, in which each side puts forward its arguments in favor of a particular point of view. The dialogue is an exchange of views without trying to convince the interlocutor. Based on this, we can say that the dispute is the least promising way to search for truth.
Socrates believed that if one of the opponents considers himself smarter, then he should help the other find the truth. To do this, he recommended taking the opponent’s position and proving its erroneousness with him.