A Better Approach to Debate

Traditional legal and political debates often blind us to breakthrough solutions when neither side acknowledges the validity of the other's arguments when useful ones are made.

The Boldpost debates focus more on understanding rather than winning the argument. We encourage acknowledging the opposition's valid points to strive toward a better grasp of issues.

We add a final but significant segment to the debate where debaters on each side (1) scrutinize the strong points from both sides of the argument, (2) concede the detrimental problems from each side, and (3) work to finish with stronger solutions than either side started with. They do this by drawing from the strengths and addressing the problems that both sides of the argument bear with them.

Through that approach, the debates aim to expand the breadth and depth of our insights to discover better solutions.

Where to find better solutions:

  • Improve our legislative and judicial systems to discover solutions that surpass the limitations of current frameworks.
  • Discover medical solutions through debate by engaging people, not just in the medical field, but across other disciplines as well.
  • Discover new monetary and economic systems that facilitate curiosity, discovery, commerce, knowledge, product development, delivery and consumption.
  • Address paradoxes and reconcile conflicting truths in science, faith, law, medicine, economics, business, volunteer organizations, etc.
  • Develop outcomes superior to the starting points of either side of opposing issues.

We'll develop debate structures that encourage participants to admit to the legitimacy of opposing arguments while defending their own. This strengthens evenhandedness, builds credibility, and leads to more robust solutions. The goal of our debate structure is not to "win" by clinging to flawed proposals but to collaborate on crafting better alternatives. After all, our initial solutions are rarely without flaws.

These ideas suggest how to debate effectively:

1. Acknowledge the Valid Point

  • Start by clearly acknowledging the opponent's argument.
  • Use phrases like:
    • "That's a valid point."
    • "I agree that..."
    • "It's true that..."
  • Example: “It’s true that renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent, which can pose challenges for consistent energy supply.”

2. Explain Why It’s Important

  • Highlight why the opponent's argument matters to the broader debate, showing you understand its relevance.
  • Example: “This concern about reliability is critical when discussing energy policies and public perception.”

3. Limit or Qualify the Argument

  • Address the boundaries of the argument without dismissing it.
  • Example: “However, these challenges can be mitigated through advancements in battery storage technology and diversified energy grids.”

4. Connect It to Your Position

  • Use the acknowledgment to strengthen your argument.
  • Example: “By addressing these reliability issues, renewable energy becomes not just viable but a superior alternative to fossil fuels.”

5. Demonstrate Humility and Confidence

  • Show that admitting the point doesn’t weaken your position but enhances it.
  • This builds trust with the audience and portrays you as knowledgeable and open to better ideas.

Tips for Effective Execution

  • Avoid over-acknowledging; focus only on key points.
  • Stay composed and confident; don't concede defeat if your position remains sound.
  • Frame your acknowledgment to segue into your argument seamlessly.