Some of you may remember The Great Debates thread from years past. Some thought it was fun, and some thought it was just too heavy.
So I thought I'd bring things back, but with a twist! The basic idea is still the same: two users will debate on a topic. The difference is that you won't get to pick the topic or which side you'll be arguing for.
Oh, and I almost forgot - the topics are going to be somewhat ... silly But that doesn't mean your argument has to be silly. In fact, if you can defend your silly point in a serious way, you might just earn yourself a merit! So it's not about winners or losers, it's about whether you can argue for, well, just about anything!
RULES:
- I will provide three possible topics for debate. If you'd like to participate, then you can SIGN-UP HERE in the Art, Music, and Writing forum: click here
- Once 6 people (at least for now) have signed up for the current three topics, the signup thread will close and the debates will begin
- Assignments will be given on this thread (who will be debating for which topic and what side). **NOTE** You are signing up to play. Which topic you get and what side you'll be arguing for will be decided randomly. So be prepared!
- You will only have 1 post in which to give your argument, so make it count! Keep in mind that your argument should stand on its own. So don't quote your opponent and just shoot down their arguments. But you should also anticipate potential objections and try to respond to them.
- Merit-earners will present well-reasoned and genuine arguments in favour of their position - even in the face of some pretty silly topics. What that means is that, if users on opposite sides each give great arguments, they would both earn merits!
- A loosely enforced time limit (which has yet to be officially established) will be in place. Once that time limit is reached, the next round will begin.
Good luck! And let the return of The Great Debates begin!
I believe butterflies are far more important then moths, in a monetary sense, because they are far more beautiful then dreary old moths.
When I was 6 yo, I saw a moth the size of my two hands together. My uncle tried to catch it because he said he never saw one that big in his lifetime. Unfortunately for my uncle and fortunately for the moth, it got away.
@pangtongshu - An exploding car with no one around to hear it *does* make a sound @JACKinbigletters - Moths are more valuable than butterflies @Snag618 - Butterflies are more valuable than moths @MoonFairy - It's better to believe in the Tooth Fairy than Santa Claus @Riptizoid101 - An exploding car with no one around to hear it does *not* make a sound @Salvidian - It's better to believe in Santa Claus than the Tooth Fairy
Wait, I got a question. If Person A creates an argument for one side, and Person B creates an argument at a later date, can Person B quote from Person A and refute his arguments? If so, doesn't that give the person who posts at a later date an advantage? Even if not directly quoting, what if Person B indirectly addresses the problems that Person A puts forward, and, with only 1 post, does Person A not have a chance to compose a counterargument for Person B?
That's an excellent question, Rip. Part of presenting a good argument is to anticipate objections and respond to them. But it's not really about responding to your opponent, as both sides might win if they both give great arguments. So don't worry so much about being the first to post, just get a good argument together
I have a quick question. How would you define valuable in my topic? Or is that for me to decide?
That's the serious part of the question, and up to you to decide. In fact, all of these questions have a similar aspect to them.
Can I sign up for round 2?
The signup thread is in the AMW section. Mino - you have first dibs for round 2 since you signed up, but were a little late. The thread is locked right now so I don't get confused, but just sign up there once it opens!
Any general ideas for when the time limit is?
Not really, though if it drags on for a week, I'll probably just move on. Better to just post your argument as if you were the only one posting on it. Remember - both sides can earn a merit for their argument!
** Note: I've just edited the rules to discourage users from quoting their opponent's argument.
