" often wonder what sort of a person bothers to seek out opportunities to refute the beliefs or choices of others, for no other reason than being argumentative"
From the internet.
Why Argue?
That people argue seems obvious. People argue for four main reasons:
To clarify thinking as individuals or groups. Oftentimes, individuals and groups do not know what they believe but are still faced with information that requires interpretation. Argument can help individuals and groups learn about issues.
To explain or defend actions or beliefs. People have reasons for doing what they do, though oftentimes the reasons are not made clear. Argument seeks to shed light on those reasons and make them explicit and open to scrutiny.
To solve problems or make judgments. The world is filled with controversies about how best to act, all with competing interests and evidence that prescribe a particular direction. Argument helps facilitate decision-making about what actors should and should not do.
To have fun. Participating in the clash of ideas can be an intellectually stimulating process that is primarily pleasurable.
