Originally posted by cyrax
why do we debate?
is it because:
1. we like being one up on other people by proving them wrong?
2. we like to learn things from others?
3. we just enjoy exercising our brain.
4. we think it helps us argue better?
5. we really believe in the topic we are arguing for?
6. we like the social element in debating?
7. we like expressing our subjective opinions?
personally, If I (at all) debate ,it's for 2,3 and 4.
Liked your options but by no means is that an exhaustive list.
Some people debate to impose their will on others. It's like playing chess. It's not about winning; it's about destroying your opponent(s). It's an out-and-out war.
Some people debate for the experience of participating.
Some people debate to validate their own opinions to themselves. They would like to know how many agree with them, how many disagree, whether they are alone in their thinking or if there are like-minded individuals.
Most debates happen (should happen) internally. In order for an internal debate to occur, knowledge is a prerequisite.
Knowledge acquired before the debate is more useful than knowledge downloaded on demand during the debate, for the warring parties to be congruous at the end of the debate (if they have any true intentions to do so when they jumped in to debate one another in the first place).
If done the right way, a debate could be a beautiful thing to participate and/or witness. Mutual trust and mutual respect are instrumental for a debate to run its course but, unfortunately, not all participants of a debate possess those, me included.
