Shumway's Debate

In the world today, information is so readily available an educated populous must adapt to become more skeptical. Learning this skepticism goes hand-in-hand with understanding arguments; as well as fallacies. Mrs. Shumway’s debate class has introduced these very important skills to me. Debate has taught me the most important skill is the understanding and ability to form a logical argument.
Four years ago, freshman year, my knowledge of argument was immensely limited. Any dispute of which the opposition could talk enough about I would consider truthful. This particularly gullible mindset could have set me exceedingly far back behind my peers. I was very much aware of this weakness throughout my experiences. Disputes with my peers, and in some …show more content…
The Golden ages of civilizations arise during the period of the most intellectual discussion. Innovation and philosophy thrive in an environment where ideas can clash. A demonstration of open discussion advancing knowledge can be shown in Greece. Numerous great philosophers existed during the highest point of Greek Civilization. Aristotle, democritus, and leucippus can be credited for developing the first concept of the atom; nearly 2000 years prior to the first discovery of atoms (“The History of the Atom). The only way these ideas could be passed is through argument and …show more content…
Being able to argue and express ideas is so valuable in our society that freedom of speech is guaranteed in the Constitution. Sadly, nations, such as China, do not allow discussion - especially of power. The Chinese government will not tolerate any question of its power. “Police in China can do whatever they want; after 81 days in arbitrary detention you clearly realise that they don't have to obey their own laws. In a society like this there is no negotiation, no discussion, except to tell you that power can crush you any time they want - not only you, your whole family and all people like you.”