Buddhism
Developing a one sided argument
Read the first side of the argument as a group. Discuss possible evidence for an alternative side of the argument and note them down. Then reveal the hidden points and compare with your own. Create a combined list with any of those points you did not consider.
The way of the arhat is the way of the historical Buddha and the closest path to the one the Buddha followed.
The Buddha initiated the Sangha, its rules and disciplines and established the basic principles of monasticism and the path of wisdom through meditation.
The way of the arhat is much more focussed on insight and wisdom than on wordly matters.
The arhat would also deny that their tradition is selfish as they have understood the concept of anatta 'not self' and overcome the feeling of thirst and craving.
Arhats view their community as that within the monastic discipline, the Sangha.
Also the role of monks in such Theravadin communities as Sri Lanka and Thailand are as a role model for society as they are traditionally 'forest dwellers' and as such has become part of their culture and to change this way of life may upset the followers of Buddhism.
An arhat may argue that although it would seem that the bodhisattva has gone through a much longer process, infact the arhat has already done so through their meditation on the Dhamma.
The arhat would argue that the bodhisattva and arhat are on equal terms when the bodhisattva reaches stage ten and the arhat becomes a 'non-returner'.