What is the point of debate?

[SeventySeven]

In debate People tend to be close minded and not listen. They are set in their ways and most of the time do not admit you were the one in the right.

However I have won my fair share of debates, being sister to a used to aspiring lawyer came in handy : P

 

[Insanum]

Debating is what makes life interesting.

Its Fighting without hurting anyone Physically.

 

[Danzaivar]

Generally in a debate you won't immediately change someones mind, but in the time following some of your points might end up softening their opinion and changing their views slightly.

The other part of debating is ofcourse if there are others nearby, they're typically susceptible and might be swayed by one persons arguments more than another.

The US presidential debates are a good example, Obama and McCain weren't trying to convince each other of anything, just the people listening.

 

[MajoraPersona]

There are numerous forms of debates. Philosophical, political, school, violent, ethical, secret, and many, many more that I don't feel like making up on the spot right now.

But generally the point of a public debate is normally to show your knowledge on your stance and your method of presenting it. Whether you believe anything you say is somewhat outside the point. Of course, it always helps your argument if you care about it.

 

[BarkBark]

The reason we debate is because people are
biased little creatures. And we would rather
die through exsanguination than to understand
the other point of view.

I learned this about humanity after taking
debate class at my high school.

 

[Deleted]

Debates let non violent people have something to do. noone cares about changing views they just want to win a fight. Even if its a talking fight.

 

[DrDeath3191]

A debate is a discussion in which the parties involved have differing opinions on the subject matter. It isn't about converting anyone, it's about discussion.

 

[eels05]

As far as this topic relates to internet debating I'd say there is no point in it.

It can usually be broken down into two or more frustrated powerless anal retentive assholes attemting to shout out their world view over the other.

 

[Spygon]

to distract people while i go grab a shotgun

 

[Et3rnalLegend64]

Because even if you can't convince the other guy of your point, you can still reach a middle ground. If you can get the other guy to agree to you, more power to you. The alternative is to beat each other up until the loser has to do what the winner says, and that doesn't work well, does it? Just don't bring in something inherently stupid to argue about, like religion. The religious have a right to believe whatever they want, and atheists have the right to not give a damn. Don't bring it up, and everyone's happy.

To everyone saying internet debates are worthless, that's not exactly true so long as the ones debating aren't idiots that go down to insulting each other. There are smart people on the net and in the world, it's just that the idiots stick out so much more. I actually haven't seen much raging stupidity here on the Escapist, have you?

 

[Darth Pope]

What the fuck is debate? All I hear is retarded comments on why certain video games are better than others and if someone disagrees they are deemed a fag. Hell, sometimes you can't even side with something without being called a "fanboy."

The OP isn't just talking about this site. Debate is about things other than just video games.

 

[kingcom]

Debate is not about convincing the other person your debating with. Its about convincing the people listening to the debate.

 

[la-le-lu-li-lo]

Debate is about opening your eyes a bit to other people's opinions. It's about doing the same for others. Even debating about something in which you and the other person agree, sometimes how they word things or see things makes you think, or make you realize something new. If you disagree, and don't end with one person 'changing sides', you and the other can learn something new. It's always interesting, at least to me, to see how other people think or feel about different subjects. I've gotten people to see my side, and others have gotten me to see their side on things.

It's overall an enjoyable experience to me, and I love it. Besides, discussing things makes you more intelligent! Sometimes...

 

[Knight Templar]

It is the exchange of ideas, such a thing can never be bad, well almost never.

Its not a rule but I see the exchange of ideas as such:
Debate> Argument> Talk> Shouting with reason> Attacking the thing without reason> Attacking the person without reason> Ignoring the thing/person> Phyical attacks.

At least that how I see it now, a debate is the best way to spread ideas and learn.

 

[the1ultimate]

I think the audience decides who the winner is, or perhaps the winner emerges naturally when the debate is talked about later on.

For instance the Huxley-Wilberforce debate is regarded as the first major victory for evolution, despite the fact that no complete account of the debate exists. In fact I recently read Fabulous Science Fact And Fiction In The History Of Scientific Discovery in which it is suggested that after the debate both sides believed that they had scored the most "points" and left clutching their lapels.

Debate is a very English concept.

Perhaps in modern times, free discussion (as in forums) is the logical evolution of the debate, provided it is suitably civil.

 

[FightThePower]

Debate is an ultimately futile way to try and change someone's opinion. A basic knowledge of Psychology and some experience arguing basically means this is entirely pointless. Even if you completely outwit the other person to the point they don't have anything to stand on, people will not change their opinion.

Why? Not sure. Maybe it's because it's seen as a sign of weakness and people just can't give in. I just know that people would rather spin an "endless web of rationalisation to vinidcate an inital error" than just simply admit they are wrong and back down.

 

[jboking]

The point of debate is to convince those around you to support your point of view. If you want proof of this, view a court case involving a felony...with a good defense attorney.