A debate is a discussion between sides with different views. Persons speak for or against something before making a decision.
Two thousand years ago, citizens of Athens held regularly scheduled public assemblies. Peoples' votes determined the policies and actions of the state. Citizens decided whether Athens went to war and how it fought. They created the laws that impacted their daily life. But the votes were always preceded by debates where citizens and leaders argued about the right choices, what was morally and legally right, the best way to achieve a desired outcome, and what was possible and prudent.
Debates are a means of encouraging critical thinking, personal expression, and tolerance of others' opinions. Today, debate still remains essential to democracy. Debates are conducted in governing assemblies, held in lecture halls and public arenas, presented in schools and universities, written in newspaper and magazine columns, heard on radio, or seen on the television. Like our predecessors in ancient Greece, people argue about what is best for their societies and shape the course of law, policy, and action.
