Intellectual Arguments when Available Are Often Quite Irascible

I think extended intellectual arguments between individuals are overall extremely uncommon in large part for two reasons: 1) most people just don't have the time, energy, or willingness to spend that much time arguing with each other and 2) most long arguments probably don't involve much intellect and are rather the result of two equally irasible and stubborn people digging their heels in and deciding if they're just angry or forceful enough, they can *make* the other side agree with them.

But you do find intellectual arguments between academics. The fun part is that a lot of them are exactly because of reason #2 above, just with fancy philosophical arguments,  journal articles, and books added to the mix.

This is why I love reading historical accounts of academics. The level of drama can be absolutely unhinged, but I get to experience it from the safe distance of these people are all very, very dead.