Debate Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it

Debate has two meanings:

1. A debate is an informal discussion between two or more people in which they express different opinions about something.
2. A debate is a formal discussion, such as in parliaments or institutions, where people express different opinions about a particular issue and then vote on it.

The only way that someone can be of help to you is by challenging your ideas.

Credit: Anthony de Mello

Argument is meant to reveal the truth, not to create it.

Credit: Edward De Bono

Unfortunately we are so steeped in debate, proving one's point and challenging others, that alternative possibilities for interaction are often eclipsed from our view.

It is interesting to notice that even when we say we want to dialogue we commonly end up in debate.

We appear to have a longing to do something different but the vortex of habit confounds us.

As a result, our options for building mutual respect, deepening understanding among each other, and creating more beneficial outcomes than we experience currently are severely limited.

Credit: Theodore Zeldin

Munk Debates

Our society is dangerously polarised. We don’t listen to each other. Too many of us are separating into ideological tribes. This has to stop. The future of our democracy depends on it. This is what the Munk Debates is all about. Opening minds to different points of view. Challenging groupthink. Debating controversial issues with rigour and honesty.

If you enjoy debates, you may like the Munk Debates. Despite their name, interestingly, they also convene dialogues. We need both.

Oxford Union Debates

The Oxford Union Debates can be found on Youtube.

Posts that link to this post

•  Knowledge Café Principle: Dialogue Not Debate Be prepared to emerge a slightly different person
•  The Long History of Argument A series of talks by Rory Stewart
•  Varieties of Discourse Discourse - a verbal interchange of ideas especially conversation

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