How do I DEBATE an issue?

How do l DEBATE an issue?

Now that you've arrived at the end of this book, you've seen different philosophers' positions on big questions in metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. You've also looked at the logical skills philosophers use to make arguments for their positions. You're now ready to develop your own philosophy, just like they did!

Remember that Socrates, the founder of philosophy, refused to write any books. He was firmly convinced that the search for wisdom must involve others in discussion. A debate is a discussion between two people who take opposite sides of an issue. Here are some final thoughts to guide your debates going forward.

Defne your terms. So often we think we disagree with someone when really we aren't even talking about the same thing! For example, I say my dog is a person. You say he isn't. But what I mean is that my dog has a point of view. What you mean is that he isn't human. Once we get clear on what we mean, we see that we're both right.

Be considerate. When you really do disagree with someone, you may find yourself not wanting to listen to them. But do listen-find out what they are trying to say. You may actually need to help them explain what they mean. Interpret their words in the best possible light and show that you understand their perspective. Hopefully, they will return the favor!

Support your view. It's not enough to just have an opinion. And you shouldn't just criticize your opponent. You need to have reasons and evidence for your view. Why do you believe what you do? You may find that you're not sure. Do some thinking. Do some research. In the process, you may find yourself changing your mind. This is a sign of growth.

JOHN DEWEY was a twentieth-century American philosopher who argued that debate is a necessary part of life in a democratic society. Democracy means government by the people. In order to govern themselves, people need to be informed about current issues and able to discuss them in a respectful way. Dewey also believed that education is not preparation for life, but rather life itself. This suggests that kids who live in a democratic society need to debate issues-not just as practice for when they grow up, but as a way of participating in their society. The most important part of democracy comes before any vote-thinking about and discussing both sides of the issues.

Twentieth-century English philosopher BERTRAND RUSSELL warns us that sometimes debating may make us less certain of our views. He also instructs us not to worry about that. Uncertainty is a good thing. The main job of philosophy is to free us from certainties that close our minds. A philosopher may find out that many issues, when explored, lead to problems and incomplete answers. This is okay! When you have the courage to explore your doubt, you can come closer to the truth. The worst mistake is to look for facts and statements that match what you already believe. This is called "cherry picking." Instead, expand your mind with the amazing things you encounter on your search. Russell writes, "Through the infinity of the universe, the mind which contemplates it achieves some share in infinity."

THINK ON IT!

Gather some friends together and hold a debate. First, pick an issue, such as whether or not eating meat is wrong.Then pick a side. It doesn't matter if you haven't completely made up your mind yet. In fact, you may want to try taking a side at random, just to see what it's like. Build your argument with reasons you can back up with evidence. Anticipate the objections your opponents might have and try to answer them. Remember that, for philosophers, the goal is not to win the debate, but rather to come a little closer to finding the truth.