Is There Anything To Be Gained By Debating?

Debating can be a healthy exchange of ideas and perspectives...

but is that, anymore?

It seems there are mainly two distinct sides in which every single fact is disputed, let alone opinions and ideas about whatever those facts may be.

People's biases overwhelm any discussion. And it's pretty customary for many exchanges to be nothing more than a slew of insults, even on the biggest debate stage in the land.

I can't imagine anyone's position on anything would budge in the slightest.

Is there a point? Is there anything to be gained? Or does it actually make things worse?

 

Is there anything to be gained by debating on the internet? No.

 

Well that's that!

 

"debating" has never been considered a means of changing the minds of the two (or more) principle sides in the debate. The purpose of a debate is to change the minds of undecide or open minded observers. third parties.

 

I think the only thing to be gained by debating is agreement from others. Basically put its performance art. Captain nobody is going to abandon something they deeply believe because someone made a reasoned argument against it. Straight but you may give people the ability to articulate their position better.

 

Are there 3rd parties here?

 

Good question-beats ,me

 

What good is being able to articulate one's position better if no one listens or changes their mind on anything?

Performance art-wise, are you saying it's mostly just for fun? People debate others, but really it's not the others that matter, it's just for one's own "pleasure", or a sort of "team sport" pleasure.

 

Just an opportunity for each to air their opinion.

 

Yes, but it doesn't seem like that.

People airing opinions, to me, sounds much more open minded. People don't seem particularly interested in other's opinions except to argue them down.

 

Right.

One thing that's kind of good from this sort of thing is it brings up stuff that I may have been unaware of....and so I go elsewhere to try and get facts or info about it.

 

It helps the people that hold the views understand them better.

Exactly. Discussion with open minded people is the best way to gain new perspectives and ideas. Debate is a competition to see who can stump their advisory. Logic isn't always the best tool either.

 

Would you say this place is a discussion place or a debate place?

This thread, so far, btw....a discussion!

 

That's an interesting point, btw.

 

I'd say it's absolutely a discussion place. The lack of moderation seems to make it hard to debate.

 

Two things are gained by debating: it sharpens your own thinking, and it has been shown to trigger the pleasure center of the brain of the person arguing. It feels good to debate. Does it change anyone's mind? Probably not.

 

To me, it seems usually more of an un-moderated debate.

Do you think people here are open minded? Not just here, but in general...in today's political world?

 

I suppose it could be good in that regard....

but I can't help but think there can be negative consequences as well.

There is "healthy" debate and, so therefore, there must be "unhealthy" debate.

 

All you have to do is stump you're opponent. You don't have to do it logically.

 

Yeah, that’s called debating.

 

If you ask me you can't have debate that's not moderated. It's like a boxing match without a referee. For the most part yes, I do think people are open minded. If they're willing to read other people's opinions can listen to what other people have to say yes I believe they are open minded. They may be stubborn, they may be pig headed, but the fact that they give you the time of day. I'd say yes.