Drunkard's Walk Forums

I have come to think that debate is agnostic to truth; it is a contest of rhetorical skill, no more or less.

Oh, of course it is. Debate clubs and societies routinely select the sides of a question at random; teams are supposed to be able to argue either side regardless of the proposition's truth or untruth.

Yeah, pretty much what Bob said. This is why the more altruistic among the Democrats (and even a few Republicans!) have had so much trouble getting ahead: it's very difficult to sell the truth when the lie is far easier to swallow. Never mind the consequences - that's another topic altogether! </s>

Make debate great again: How bad political argument is undermining democracy

Set aside an hour to listen to the episode.