- We must decide on the form of the debate. If the form is to be based in logic or in rhetoric or in chaos/humour then it should only take one form, not mixed.
- Logic drives towards proving a truth
- Rhetoric drives at persuasion by values
- Chaos/ humour is an exercise in entertainment
- A subject should be agreed upon and tangents must be mutually agreed.
- Each proponent must exercise patience and good nature.
- Listening to your opponent creates value in the argument.
- Each proponent must suppose that his opponent has a world view that is different from his own and therefore will see all facts from that perspective.
- Argument is allowed to be persuasive.
- The goal is to understand your opponent’s viewpoint, not necessarily agree with it.
- Each proponent speaks for his side and it is the listeners who must decide which one they agree with.
- Speaking over the other proponent or interrupting cheapens the debate.
- If one speaker goes too long the other one has a right to call time. Time should be mutually agreed.
- Debate can be verbal, or by writing, through whatever media is agreed upon.
- The debate may be limited by the proponents to the two beginners or they may allow others comment by initial agreement.
Please tell me what you think…
