Goodreads Debate Guild discussion

debate⠀/dɪˈbeɪt/
noun
1.⠀⠀formal discussion on a particular matter in a public meeting or legislative assembly,
⠀⠀⠀ in which opposing arguments are put forward and which usually ends with a vote.
2.⠀⠀an argument about a particular subject, especially one in which many people are
⠀⠀⠀ involved.

verb
1.⠀⠀argue about (a subject), especially in a formal manner.
2.⠀⠀consider a possible course of action in one’s mind before reaching a decision.

SOURCE, OXFORD LEARNER’S DICTIONARY
https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionarie...


This is the How to Debate topic. We want the debates in this group to be
fact-based, with sound reasoning to back up your argument. To help with
the debates, we have provided this topic and the link to further information
about how to better debate any given topic.

[⠀⠀https://www.some.education/blog/compl...⠀⠀]

Some of the key aspects of a debate in this format are arguments and counterarguments, cross-examination, the use of evidence and examples, and active listening. A good argument has claims that are supported by evidence, statistics, experts, and logical reasoning. In a counterargument, you are able to find the weaknesses in the other side’s sources and evidence, while pulling in your own evidence that you deem to be more accurate and relevant to the issue. It is important to not just believe people at their word, but to also cross-examine their sources so that you can draw your own conclusions from the same sources of information. Active listening (or I guess more accurately active reading) will allow you to fully grasp the entirety of the opposing side’s argument. Pay attention to the exact wording they choose and the emotional response attached to it, read the argument in full instead of just skimming. Active reading will also help you to form a more well-rounded counter argument that addresses everything the opposition has stated, as well as your own points.

As stated in the previous paragraph, your argument should use evidence, examples, statistics, experts, and/or logical reasoning. A good argument is built upon irrefutable evidence, and your argument will be stronger the more evidence from different reliable sources you are able to pull together. Things like .edu or .gov websites are generally trusted. We personally don’t have much of an issue with Wikipedia, but we do recommend checking what their sources are on any given page and potentially going there directly. If you want to find the opinions of experts or statistics, research journals using Google Scholar or a similar search would be the best way to go, but that isn’t the most accessible to people, and there are also many websites out there where you can find that same data and information. The CDC website often has very up-to-date data and accurate information. We do not recommend using things like blog posts, reddit, or word of mouth as sources, as all of that is just people saying whatever they want to say with zero fact checking. If you do not have access to the wider internet to use as a source, you are free to use comments in the ask and learn folder that are backed up with sources of their own.

One of the final and most important things to remember in a debate is to be kind and courteous to those around you. No matter if people agree or disagree with you, we are all just people trying to do our best in this world. Respect goes a long way in bridging the gap in politics. Please try to care about those who are different from you and respect that they have the right to exist as themselves just as much as you.

psst, ask your 'opponents' questions. don't get mad and curse their entire bloodline because you disagree with them, what makes them think that, do they have any relevant experience, can they provide you with reputable information, fact check them etc

curse their entire bloodline lmao

if you are being rude, we will kick you from the group without a question. this is a safe space where everyone’s opinions are valued.