My point was what i originally stated.

For further clarification (hopefully) - debate is merely a silly game for the entertainment (and often, manipulation) of the audience/judges. It also often serves to encourage pride/ego in the sycophants who perform in such base pageantry.

It is anti intellectual, and directly across purposes to learning, study, teaching and communication.

For instance - winning a debate doesn't in any way prove/establish a position correct (or vice versa) or effectively communicate that position (should it be correct or not) to anyone else. It may convince (aka manipulate) the gullible onlookers, but that is the best case scenario.

Smart and capable students will always choose earnest discussion and rigorous/diligent (ideally, objective) study over such base pageantry.

My point was what i originally stated.

For further clarification (hopefully) - debate is a silly game for the entertainment (and often, manipulation) of the audience/judges. It also often serves to encourage pride/ego in the sycophants who perform in such base pageantry.

It is anti intellectual, and directly across purposes to learning, study, teaching and communication.

For instance - winning a debate doesn't in any way prove/establish a position correct (or vice versa) or effectively communicate that position (should it be correct or not) to anyone else. It may convince (aka manipulate) the gullible onlookers, but that is the best case scenario.

Smart and capable students will always choose earnest discussion and rigorous/diligent (ideally, objective) study over such base pageantry.