An argument [philosophically speaking] is a reason advanced for or against a proposition. It could transpire between two opposing factions where neither concedes to the points presented by the other and is therefore viewed as unwon. But there may well be third party observers who dismiss one side in favour of the other in which case there would indeed be a winner and a loser. Or in perpetual argument, as in this topic, two winners and two losers.

I think advancement lies in common ground.