Nature and value of debate for the use of those who practice it

Abstract

The debate is spreading rapidly in schools, thanks to its great educational potential, which promotes the acquisition and development of many transversal skills, from critical thinking to cooperative learning. However, before being an acclaimed methodology, it is a competitive game, which in history has also been a tool of philosophical and scientific investigation. The question which arises is: can a competitive activity be an educational experience, too? In other words, can one educate, not just instruct, with debate? Answering is crucial for coaches, judges and teachers, because without awareness of its educational value, the debate can easily lose its qualities and degenerate into forms of unhealthy competitiveness. This article analyzes the educational aspect of the debate, going back to its ancient origins and history, when the debate protocols were established which are still
used today, making a point against the ongoing criticism.