Actually, I have two tips, which sound unfriendly, but if followed, should minimize the unproductive arguments:

1: Try not to form strong opinions (with high certainty in the opinion) based on shaky arguments (that should only result in low-certainty opinion). I.e. try not to be overconfident in whatever was conjectured.

2: Try hard not to be wrong.

More than half of the problem with the unproductive arguments is that you are wrong. That's because in the arguments, often, both sides are wrong (note: you can have a wrong proof that 2*3=6 and still be very wrong. Try not to apply this to other side, by the way. If they are right, they are right. edit: Or actually, do. If they are wrong factually, your argumentation may still be flawed too. If their argumentation is 'flawed', they may still be factually correct, and you may still be factually wrong).