The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates is credited with the Socratic method of discourse where an idea is put forth and then challenged and analysed, back and forth, between two or more persons with the aim of clarifying, finding contradictions and getting a better understanding of the topic under discussion.
Debates may well be seen as a form of Socratic learning whereby a motion is in place and two sides argue for or against that motion. To be successful at debating, one needs to understand the motion clearly, and be able to analyse and evaluate it properly before presenting the arguments to the other side as well as the general audience. Debating forces you, the debater, to also be able to listen to your critics and respond accordingly when given the chance to do so. It tests your patience as well as your temperament, whereby one moment of “losing your cool” can send you down a slippery slope of losing the argument entirely.
Debates also hone your public speaking skills. From your command of the spoken word and your ability to persuade the listener, to your rational arguments that are delivered with a personal style and charisma, debating is indeed a powerful form of holistic learning and growth. Which is why schools, good schools, have them.
Whether it was Moses and Aaron “debating” the Pharaoh of Egypt to set the Israelites free, or the modern day debates that politicians engage themselves in routinely, debating, in one form or another, has always been part and parcel of what we do as humans. So if you’re a student reading this, I’d advise you to take part in your school’s next debate. You’ll be surprised at what you will learn from the experience. What’s more is you’ll come out as a different person from it. When that happens, you will have taken your learning and education to a whole new level.
