Debaters, are we just making noise?

Quite recently while discussing about Nehruji, one of my close friends starkly remarked, “Debating is silly and is totally pointless as no one ever learns anything new and those with an opnion often never budge and it usually ends up in a messy word fight ” I was a little taken aback at his blunt comment and tried to think about it by myself. Once being an active debater this one kinda hit me in the heart. After a bit of an introspection I realized something. Something which I wish to share.

No my friend, debating, unlike you perceive is not a fruitless act which results in an altercation. It is indeed a serious business and it is essential that this ‘art' is well promoted.

Debating usually invloves two parties with conflicting opinions discussing on some topic while putting forth rational arguments to support their stand. To ensure a healthy debate the participants must respect their opponent’s views and enter into one with a right and an open mindset. That being said people shouldn’t fuss over frivolous issues. Then there are things debating over which is futile e.g. arguing wether a glass is half-filled or half-empty. Learning new perspectives is enlightening and it shouldn’t call for an argument.

There always exists a dichotomy of views and it’s often impossible for a large majority to settle on some common ground. Just like a coin has two faces and none is the right or the wrong side in a similar way it’s unreasonable to say one side is better than the other. Some issues that are of utmost importance like eg. the implementation of the Lokpal Bill requires a serious parley for discussion and to eventually come on a singular point after negotiation.

What debating does is that it provides the participants with certain views a platform to share their opinions and in the process despise those which they do not subscribe to. Like in any other competition the participants try their level best to beat their opponent in the game. In such a case the audience gets an opportunity to listen to both the sides and form an image about the topic at hand. Any preconceived notion carried into the debate hinders one’s ability to judge clearly and shall often result in biasness with choosing a convincing side. There is nothing wrong in having notions though in such a scenario I believe as an audiece one will psychologically be more inclined towards the views of their favourable side and being partial can impede the person’s capacity to imbibe comments for a rational judgement.

To be continued…
Majors week!!!