It has taught me that the justification of law and policy always lies at the intersection of moral principles and pragmatic considerations. For example, a resolution about mandatory vaccinations comes to mind. Ideologically, it was a conflict between individual rights and public welfare.
In a democracy, which should be given priority? Practically, it was a debate about the science of eradicating diseases, the logistics of vaccinating everyone, and the number of people who would receive vaccinations even if they weren't mandatory.
A winning argument had to both address the scientific aspects of vaccination policy and make a compelling case for how we should interpret fundamental American values. Well-prepared debaters are familiar with all the major arguments and evidence at hand. Therefore, knowledge and intelligence are not always enough to win. Great debaters win by catching their opponents off-guard.
I fluster my opponents by going out of my way to include less well-known examples of history, which are harder to refute. In my rebuttals, I surprise my competition with bold counterarguments they are not prepared to hear. Debate has pushed me to think outside of the box. It has also forced me to be a much more attentive listener.
Most of the opponents we face benefit from having debate as an official course. Our program, on the other hand, is run by a few Harvard students on a volunteer basis. Although very knowledgeable and resourceful, they only have time to meet once a week. To keep up with the competition, I spend many hours researching evidence and constructing my arguments independently. I always seek advice and ideas from whomever I can. I've earned my success through self-motivation and by taking initiative.
Four years ago, I was the only freshman on a team of seven. Hardly anyone outside of the debate team even knew it existed. Related Posts. Subscribe to: Post Comments Atom. Subscribe Posts Atom. Comments Atom. Sheen G. Mechanics: Taming Gravity Pop. Popular Posts Quote: Who's the judge? And why is he God? Because he decides who wins or loses, not my opponent. And who is your opponent It seems age only seems to help Georgie.
At 70 he continues Your heart has a little cavity between the two ventricular, and t A short story of politics.
Politics A little boy asks his father what politics is. His father tries to explain. Quote: Bill Hick's "Lifecoaster".
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