{"id":14259,"date":"2024-01-14T08:53:31","date_gmt":"2024-01-14T13:53:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/intramuralist.com\/?p=14259"},"modified":"2024-01-14T09:05:51","modified_gmt":"2024-01-14T14:05:51","slug":"the-art-of-debate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/intramuralist.com\/?p=14259","title":{"rendered":"the art of debate"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It\u2019s no secret. Ask my friends. Ask my family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I love a good debate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But maybe just maybe we need to clarify what a debate is. It\u2019s basically a formal discussion where questions are asked and opposing arguments are put forward. It\u2019s a forum in which varied opinion and perspective are put forth for consideration and scrutiny. And precisely because that\u2019s what it is, we learn. We gain a deeper understanding. And often we craft solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being the current events nerd that I can sometimes be, this wit-and-wisdom appreciating blogger watches debates from all political angles and aisles. As said, I learn. And I indeed gain a deeper understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But I have to say \u2014 with primary season now upon us \u2014 they haven\u2019t been all that fun for me as of late. They haven\u2019t been all that good for multiple years. With all due respect to our elect \u2014 and I really want to be kind here \u2014 Presidents Biden and Trump have kind of ruined this for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t think either knows how to debate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only so\u2026 way too many others have followed their unfortunate lead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allow me to explain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a Medium<\/em> blogger with the pseudo-name \u201cSmart Minds Together.\u201d He\/she (not trying to be politically correct \u2014 just don\u2019t know actual gender) <\/em>penned a great piece last November entitled \u201cThe Joy of Disagreement: Why the Right Debate Leads to Positive Outcomes.\u201d<\/a>  [Insert editorial note: let there be no not-so-subtle plagiarism here.]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Writes the \u201cSmart Mind\u201d: \u201cWhen approached in the right way, debate can be a powerful tool for growth, learning, and positive change.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perfect.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

He\/she goes on to demonstrate how a good debate expands perspective, encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, strengthens relationships, drives innovation and progress, and promotes personal growth and empathy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, the \u201cSmart Mind\u201d poignantly points out how history is filled with examples of how debates have led to groundbreaking breakthroughs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n