Philosophy

Sometimes I have a hard time saying what I mean... but here's a try:

What I am beginning to love most about debate is not the research, the social time, or the arguing itself. It is this- debate constantly forces you to develop, understand, defend, and even believe in new philosophies. As I am preparing for the National Championship with my partner, my reasoning behind our case is evolving every time I hear a new argument against it. Whenever I read about a new case we might go against, I'm forced to adopt a philosophy against it. Further research might develop or change that philosophy. When I discuss cases and arguments with other debaters, I realize how we all- even my partner and I- have such different philosophies. This is a good thing. Through discussion and debate, we come to understand the pros and cons of many different viewpoints. 

I am realizing how much this applies to life outside the debate round. We are so quick to criticize or correct someone's behavior just as we are so quick to reject arguments in debate. But without understanding someone's viewpoint- their philosophy- we cannot fully understand their behavior. That's not to say every behavior and idea is justified through a different view- no. Every philosophy is flawed. My focus, in debate and in life, is to understand outside reasoning and better my philosophy in response to opposing arguments.

Instead of rejecting the points by the other team, we should listen charitably, understanding the opposing philosophy, and pick our points tactfully.