Sunday, May 20, 2012
Self Reflection
I always knew that I was generally good at arguing with people on topics that I was passionate about but to be marked on my ability to do so was a new experience. Debating wasn't something I had done a lot of formally in other classes, as I didn't take many social sciences. I learned that he most important thing when it came to debates was being prepared. It's impossible to predict what the other person is going to say but if research is done it shouldn't be difficult to determine a response. The hardest challenge that I found this year was to debate for or against a certain topic that I didn't believe in. FOr the Abortion debate I was put on the team that wanted to make abortion illegal. This was difficult, as I think it would be for many women, to say that abortions shouldn't be allowed. The upside was that I could think about what arguments that I would make and and think of counter arguments ahead of time. I have also learned to speak up if I have a point to make and sometimes it's ok to be wrong.
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You are so right that it is very difficult but necessary to argue a point that you don't believe in. I believe that this is one of the most mind-expanding exercises our there. A true debater can emotionally separate themselves from a debate and remain passionate but unbiased. This is something that can only be achieved through practice and like you said, preparation.
ReplyDeleteDebating was a large part of our year in world issues. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I know I have to improve on my debating skills because it really is a skill. You not only have t be prepared but you have to be confident enough to say something that you know will be shot down by the other side. I'm glad you enjoyed it so much.
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