The value of the ability to debate.

The value of the ability to debate.

Most people simply remember their debating clubs in school in which many of us used to participate. It is far more common (and popular!) in schools in the US, than it is in schools in the UK. It is a fact that students in higher education are at the stage where they are able to grasp and comprehend various concepts such as the social and political concepts, although some students are capable of this from a younger age.

When most people get to college or university they have already developed their own ideas, and normally tend to have ideas that are pretty good concerning how the world works. Notwithstanding that they may have acquired some prejudices in various subjects, based on their individual environments. Besides, they tend to hold on beliefs and other set standards that are purely based on what they consider to be moral or immoral. 

The ability to debate well enables alternative views to be given and this allows for (often strongly held) beliefs to be challenged and prejudices may be removed, at the least it can show that there is always more than one point of view, and can help with individual personal development.

Of course all individuals will each have their own opinions -sometimes formed by their own experiences - but then those opinions can often be 'generalised' and a deep-rooted belief that their opinion is a fact becomes embedded. 

Some of these people can and will, continue arguing that a white cat is black, without looking at the facts, often because they simply do not want to have their long-held belief or prejudices changed. And that is on both sides of any argument.

Some will check their facts, but continue to hold their own opinion anyway, and still try to persuade others that they are right. There are some people that seem to be unaware of how to check facts - often this type 'posts a headline' too social media, often without reading the complete article that they are posting.

Some individuals really don't know and are easily led into giving 'facts' that they genuinely believe to be facts - this group of people is also split into those that eventually realise that they are wrong, and those that refuse to believe that they are wrong; there are several on this forum. These rarely participate in the actual debates, but make for an attentive audience!

Some people check the facts, but don't understand all that they have read (I think deliberately in some cases) because they only source their facts from one, or very few, places (or they lack the skills required to understand what they have read!) These often fail to engage in debate once they have been shown to be incorrect or not being 'completely factual' (arguing a half-truth as a full fact!), and 'disappear' from a thread on Social Media (that they may even have started), before emerging on another thread and doing the same thing! 

There are those on Social Media that leap immediately to an insult, or 'personal attack', that will not (probably cannot) debate and refuse to admit that they are simply wrong and lack the skills to debate.

Having the ability to debate can be very useful when going through life, there are often negotiations required - from making a purchase, such as a car, to agreeing a remuneration package within employment! 

Debating skills can improve your language skills, your listening skills, attention to detail, and your comprehension - all of which will improve your confidence.