Public debate is organized discussions on political or social issues that engage the community and influence public opinion. Debates provide a platform for diverse perspectives and encourage civic engagement during periods of rapid change, fostering grassroots movements that can affect the overall direction of society. They also shape policy decisions and bolster citizens’ knowledge of various viewpoints, inspiring them to participate in democratic processes like voting and activism.
The format of a public debate can vary considerably. High-profile on-campus debates like the Munk Debates have pre-arranged topics, participants have ample time to prepare a case, and there are established rules that govern the debate. The debates are also often televised, which enables wider public participation. In less formal cases, debates may occur in private settings such as restaurants and bars, or on social media platforms like Facebook.
It is important to ensure that the right people are in the debate – to be effective, it must be diverse. Debates that exclude certain perspectives, or which do not represent a broad range of views, can be regressive and dangerous. For example, a recent debate in the United States focused on the future of Western democracy and featured only two prominent conservative politicians. The debate was met with protests and outcry by some in the political world who feared that it legitimized dangerous far-right ideologies.
The proper number of panelist is 3 to 5 – any less becomes difficult for the different viewpoints to come through, and any more can be unwieldy and confused. It is a good idea to send the participants the topic prior the debate starting, so they can research and prepare.