What is the point of debate?

[Boredom is my vice]

Debate is about opening your eyes a bit to other people's opinions. It's about doing the same for others. Even debating about something in which you and the other person agree, sometimes how they word things or see things makes you think, or make you realize something new. If you disagree, and don't end with one person 'changing sides', you and the other can learn something new. It's always interesting, at least to me, to see how other people think or feel about different subjects. I've gotten people to see my side, and others have gotten me to see their side on things.

It's overall an enjoyable experience to me, and I love it. Besides, discussing things makes you more intelligent! Sometimes...

I agree with the Patriots, I find debate to be for intelectual growth. If you are debating with someone who has already made up their mind on what side they are taking, whats the point? I strive(and yes I strive to debate =]) to debate with people who are going to teach me something, listen to my points, and maybe come to a compromise. It's about growth, not winning or losing.

 

[Gr333d]

Even to answer this question you need to debate.

Debate is just to convince everyone else to your point of view, cause trying to convince the other person to your point of view is almost impossible.
And most people are more stubborn than they say they are.

 

[AngloDoom]

I see it not only as a way of trying to convert a person to your side of the fence, but as a way of also challenging your beliefs and conviction of them; without someone challenging your opinion you won't necessarily realise what it is that makes you think that way. I've had several debates where it ends with the person basically saying "Because I was raised to think that way"; some of them were shocked by this revelation that their opinions were not necessarily their own and since have thought of their own reasons to believe them, and a very tiny percentage actually realised they didn't believe what they had been saying, just being a parrot for someone else.

It's also pretty darn fun.

 

[Borrowed Time]

I use debate to sharpen my own comprehension, to introduce new ideas into my thinking as well as a test my own beliefs. You sharpen a sword by drawing it against the grindstone. You purify gold by melting it down and scraping away the impurities that rise to the surface. You build muscle by tearing individual muscle cells, allowing them to be built back up stronger. With out the introduction of new ideas and the constant testing of your own beliefs, you have a high probability to stagnate. One of the worst possible things someone can do is to stop learning.

 

[Pinguin]

Debate can be an end as well as a means. Sometimes just the simple enjoyment of discussion of a subject is reason enough.

Also of course debate is a good way of making sure a point is thoroughly analysed.