If we look at the skills of debating they offer the opportunity for us to
learn to remove some of the pressures that seem evident in today’s society.
Debating, rather than arguing, can diffuse a rapidly escalating situation, allowing us to take a step back and choose our words carefully. It encourages critical thinking skills, leading us to question the evidence in front of us and construct balanced and well thought out arguments. It can lead us to be more curious and open to new ideas, retain a degree of scepticism and build a healthy attitude towards questioning. Improved articulation of our thoughts creates a coherent message. Importantly, we can again learn to have an empathy that allows us to understand and sometimes accept the views of others, retain control and composure, and even learn to lose
graciously.
Another benefit of teaching or explaining the skill of debating is that it requires the individual to be much more socially and politically aware, allowing them to address a range of diverse issues and viewpoints. It can also encourage us to broaden our scope and look at topics and areas we might not normally consider.
These skills need to be cultivated. Some experts are suggesting that there is
evidence that some younger students are beginning to seek more reasoned debate for a common good. They are growing tired of black vs white / friend vs enemy / victim vs oppressor shouting matches.
Surely, we need to seize upon these possible signs of frustration?
We as a society gain when we listen to the views with which we disagree. We need to learn to:
• Question everything and seek alternative sources.
• Listen to extreme opposing views.
• Think – promote deep level thinking from that which we have listened to.
• Respect the views of others and try to understand why people might hold those views.
Ultimately, we cannot afford to let the truth be undermined by our own lack of social and civic skills.
Only then can we as a society start to mend the fractures and build bridges towards a more tolerant world. In doing so, we close off the avenues exploited by extremists from all corners and possibly regain control of the political and social agenda.
Graham Pattle E:
graham.pattle@
btinternet.com
Published September, 2018
https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/play/ p06k4y85
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/ society-lost-ability-debate
https://www.studyinternational. com/news/12-ways-debating- will-help-you-for-the-rest-of- your-life/
https://www.project-syndicate. org/commentary/russia-social- media-election-interference- by-kent-harrington-2017-11
https://www.rootsofaction. com/disadvantages-of-social- networking/
https://www.project-syndicate.org/ commentary/fake-news-challenges- journalism-industry-by-alexandra- borchardt-2018-01
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/ aug/06/why-debating-still-matters
33 | ADMISI - The Ghost In The Machine | September/October 2018
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