By Thomas R. Cuba, Ph.D.
It is possible that the loss of the Art of Debate has contributed to our difficulties more than any other factor. We need to relearn this and soon.
In today’s political world, and in common use, the term has come to mean the presentation of two viewpoints with the intent of one being selected over the other. This is pretty close to the archaic definition, which includes arguments and contests.
I believe that debate needs to mean much more.
When we debate, especially as we debate issues, we should not be in a contest to determine which of our opinions is best. We should be engaged in a discourse in which the participants present their views and actually exchange ideas. I fear this does not happen. Watch local access television coverage of state or federal chambers of legislature and take note of how many people are even in the room when speeches are given on the floor.
This is no debate. It is little more than getting an opinion on the record.
The common version of the Art of The Debate is being able to engage in these exchanges and convince your opponent that the position you espouse is better than the one he came in with.
That will seldom happen. We must realize that just possibly the opponent has thought of something we have not.
Debate ought to be a process of exchange NOT to determine a winner, but to determine a Wiser Course of Action. The process of Debate should produce a better path to follow than either participant had held previously.
To do this, we need to speak eloquently, but we also need to listen, understand, and to adapt.
This is not compromise, but a true search for a better solution.
Debate to hone the wisdom of the action at hand, not to determine a winner.
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About The Author: Thomas R. Cuba, Ph.D.
Raised a simple Missouri farm boy, Tom managed to attend a British Prep School before commencing a college career that would culminate in a Doctorate Degree in Marine Ecology. He also served as an Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Navy, and as a scoutmaster, SCUBA instructor, Wilderness Survival Instructor, and Firearms Instructor.
Tom has worked as an ecologist in both government and private practice, as well as a freelance nature photographer and computer programmer.
Now, a father and grandfather, Tom offers life lessons in the form of stories about the challenges people face and conquer as well as socio-political essays. To that end, his first lesson is always his favorite quote. “Failure is the whetstone of success.” ~ T. Leith Rettie, 1884.
You can read more from Tom on his site by clicking here
Very true. I recently posted on my Neighborhood News (which is owned by Facebook) and the FB version got coverage, but mine got taken down after an hour. No discussion, no communication, just censorship. We need to be able to converse and give data so we can look at all the sides.