[quote]
Originally posted by Roman:
**I have been reading this word used a lot these days. One of the things (not only, mind you) that this forum stands for is a healthy and positive debate.
Let me reflect on what I think it is.
Simplsitically, it would imply an opportunity of interaction with others to contemplate and reavaluate one's knowledge and point of view, along with the potential of discovering new arguments (and rearranging or correcting one’s beliefs accordingly, if applies), on a certain subject matter.
I would emphasize that it does not imply self-procliamed victory or defeat, conviction or denial, or refutal or presumption of others’ views. It is equally beneficial for all the participants.
What do you think healthy and positive debate is?**
[/quote]
Since you are dumb as a mule and twice as ugly. Let me educate you what is a debate?
According to American heritage Dictionary a debate is defined as follows:
de·bate (d¹-b³t“) v. de·bat·ed, de·bat·ing, de·bates. --intr. 1. To consider something; deliberate. 2. To engage in argument by discussing opposing points. 3. To engage in a formal discussion or argument. See Synonyms at discuss. 4. Obsolete. To fight or quarrel. --tr. 1. To deliberate on; consider. 2. To dispute or argue about. 3. To discuss or argue (a question, for example) formally. 4. Obsolete. To fight or argue for or over. --de·bate n. 1. A discussion involving opposing points; an argument. 2. Deliberation; consideration: passed the motion with little debate. 3. A formal contest of argumentation in which two opposing teams defend and attack a given proposition. 4. Obsolete. Conflict; strife. [Middle English debaten, from Old French debatre : de-, de- + battre, to beat; see BATTER1.] --de·bate“ment n. --de·bat“er n.
According to American Thesaurus, a debate is:
1. (n.) Careful consideration of a matter:
• deliberation
• advisement
• calculation
• contemplation
• evaluation
• examination
• meditation
• pondering
• reflection
• rumination
• speculation
• study
2. (n.) The act or art of argument:
• disputation
• wrangling
• argumentation
• forensics
3. (v.) To direct speech to:
• address
• chat
• chatter
• chew the rag (colloquial)
• communicate
• consult
• converse
• discourse
• discuss
• lecture
• parley
• speak
• talk
• apostrophize (formal)
4. (v.) To dispute:
• quarrel
• altercate
• vie with
• argue
• bicker
• clash
• conflict
• contend
• contest
• differ
• disagree
• fight
• oppose
• quibble
• spar
• scrap (colloquial)
• squabble
• hassle
• agree (antonym)
• accord (antonym)
• concur (antonym)
5. (v.) To exchange views:
• discuss
• consult
• argue
• confer
• converse
• deliberate
• palaver
• parley
• reason
• talk over
• thrash out
• chat
• wrangle
Now birdbrain, check all the threads and show me which one of you Jethros have a clue of a debate or knows how to debate? It was my pleasure to fill your hollow skull with some knowledge.
Ghazi
Facts Are The Authority!
[This message has been edited by Ghazi (edited April 06, 2000).]