I believe strongly in it. I have some background in debate and in persuasive public speaking, and I have a deep appreciation for the civility and mutual respect they foster. It's a lost art.
I meant if you have any first-hand experiences from Greek debates. My bad, I phrased it poorly.
Interesting answer though. I had the Greek debating style as more...brutal in my mind (I am Greek, in case you are wondering). Though I totally don't have your exposure in public speaking.
Well, our experiences with it may vary greatly, as I'm especially familiar with the academic version of Greek debate. It can be a bit more brutal in one sense, but I think there are several components that ensure it is still constructive:
Interrupting your opponent is against the rules. Everyone is given time to speak, and everyone must actually listen to one another to have a chance at winning the debate.
Ad hominem attacks are considered dirty pool. At least in the circles I was in, these weren't acceptable. In any case, they waste precious speaking time, and make one look like a heel.
Everyone must be prepared to defend their position objectively. Personal feelings and opinions don't mean squat unless they are supported with fact and reason.
Limited time means one should not waste time on bickering; it just runs the clock out and makes the bickerer look uninformed.
I did take part in a number of debates in middle school and high school (albeit, most had to be internet-mediated because of where I lived, but that didn't make them any less structured). My persuasive public speaking was in HS and college, and then incorporated into my professional speaking. I was also a judge for a formal speech and debate contest on two different occasions.
Interestingly, the debates that occur in #python and its auxiliary communities often (though not always) bear resemblance to Greek debate, just without the timekeeper or formal turns. Proof, logic, and pedantic accuracy are all chief interests of that crowd, so if you can't craft a good Greek-style debate position for yourself, you're basically toast in one of those discussions.
Out of interest, what is your view on Greek style debating ? :)
I believe strongly in it. I have some background in debate and in persuasive public speaking, and I have a deep appreciation for the civility and mutual respect they foster. It's a lost art.
I meant if you have any first-hand experiences from Greek debates. My bad, I phrased it poorly.
Interesting answer though. I had the Greek debating style as more...brutal in my mind (I am Greek, in case you are wondering). Though I totally don't have your exposure in public speaking.
Well, our experiences with it may vary greatly, as I'm especially familiar with the academic version of Greek debate. It can be a bit more brutal in one sense, but I think there are several components that ensure it is still constructive:
Interrupting your opponent is against the rules. Everyone is given time to speak, and everyone must actually listen to one another to have a chance at winning the debate.
Ad hominem attacks are considered dirty pool. At least in the circles I was in, these weren't acceptable. In any case, they waste precious speaking time, and make one look like a heel.
Everyone must be prepared to defend their position objectively. Personal feelings and opinions don't mean squat unless they are supported with fact and reason.
Limited time means one should not waste time on bickering; it just runs the clock out and makes the bickerer look uninformed.
I did take part in a number of debates in middle school and high school (albeit, most had to be internet-mediated because of where I lived, but that didn't make them any less structured). My persuasive public speaking was in HS and college, and then incorporated into my professional speaking. I was also a judge for a formal speech and debate contest on two different occasions.
Interestingly, the debates that occur in
#pythonand its auxiliary communities often (though not always) bear resemblance to Greek debate, just without the timekeeper or formal turns. Proof, logic, and pedantic accuracy are all chief interests of that crowd, so if you can't craft a good Greek-style debate position for yourself, you're basically toast in one of those discussions.Ok I get it now. Many thanks for your explanation, much appreciated. :)