Critical thinking and the ability to have a measured / considered debate.
As far as debating goes, these two things are perhaps the most important:
  • take notes about everything the other person says
  • address every point the person brings up, otherwise you agree with it
So many debates are just two people talking past each other, not addressing what each other says. That is a waste of time for the debaters and audience.
A third bit of advise: don't debate someone who doesn't do the above two things.
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I believe it's also OK to not take a stance either way, it's humble to acknowledge various perspectives (not opinions) without having to choose a side. Giving ourselves a moment to digest and muse, and additionally, allowing the other party to reflect on another perspective without prejudice of being told that are wrong/incorrect or invalid.
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That is a really valid point. I detest the ‘if you are not for you must be against’ argument. I feel like saying; ‘maybe I am just working it out in my head rather than letting you and your bias do it for me.’
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Think it can be heavily tied into the game theory concept, there's a natural defence mechanism against aggression we've adopted due to the nature of the beast.
I believe it's what we are truly challenging here and now. And evidently have been for a long time.
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Shit, they teach the opposite of critical thinking in most public schools.
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