As F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.”  Learning the fundamentals of debate build that ability by forcing participants to see both sides of an issue. Debaters flex their analytical muscles, learning to find the weak points in opponents’ arguments. They learn to explain their ideas and assess different viewpoints, whether in a school or professional setting, during a political discussion, or through written publication.

This new series picks up from our Navigating Information Fatigue recorded programs, to bring you a conversational exchange on the following elements of debate:

• The Essentials of a Good Argument
• The Importance of Civil Discourse
• Critical Thinking & Media Literacy

Dr. Georgia M. Bedford, Visiting Lecturer of Communication and Interim Associate Director William Pitt Debating Union (WPDU) at the University of Pittsburgh – Department of Communication, will teach us how the emancipatory function of debate serves as a catalyst for reasoned public dialogue which starts with reasonable people seeking collaborative opportunities to establish common ground where, through discussion, key issues of local, national, and international consequence may be resolved.

Note: This virtual event will take place using Zoom Webinar. A recording of the program will be sent to all registered attendees.