Debate isn’t effective, and its main purpose is theatrical. It is basically the modern day equivalent of gladiator fights, except with the side effect that it platforms and legitimises the opinions of the participants, no matter how extreme.
There is now mountains of scientific evidence showing the debates have limited to no effect at changing people’s minds. Instead, simply making friends and spending time with different perspective is effective.
Debate isn’t effective, and its main purpose is theatrical. It is basically the modern day equivalent of gladiator fights, except with the side effect that it platforms and legitimises the opinions of the participants, no matter how extreme.
There is now mountains of scientific evidence showing the debates have limited to no effect at changing people’s minds. Instead, simply making friends and spending time with different perspective is effective.
This article won’t change your mind. Here’s why | Sarah Stein Lubrano | The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/18/change-mind-evidence-arguing-social-relationships