Debate or debating is a formal method of interactive and representational argument. Debate is a broader form of argument than logical argument, which only examines consistency from axiom, and factual argument, which only examines what is or isn’t the case or rhetoric which is a technique of persuasion. Though logical consistency, factual accuracy and some degree of emotional appeal to the audience are important elements of the art of persuasion, in debating, one side often prevails over the other side by presenting a superior “context” and/or framework of the issue, which is far more subtle and strategic.
Debate SCA
Debate has been introduced as one of the Sai Centred Activities in order that the students develop useful skills such as public speaking skills, logical thinking, art of persuasion and critical writing. The student also stands to gain much knowledge from researching on different topics etc.
It allows the student to open up and voice his/her thoughts firmly but without negativity in an environment where the ‘judges’ are caring, invested and attentive and not just out to choose a winner. The facilitators aid the student in deepening his/her thinking and learning and in building up a healthy competition among the participants.
The student becomes a confident speaker who is able to put forth his/her views in a firm or polite yet persuasive manner, grounded in human values. He/she learns the art of expressing views coherently and convincingly. The Debate SCA provides a good learning opportunity as we have a talented team of facilitators to guide the students. This learning will be of great use not just for school but in the long run, in the working life as well.
The main aim of Debate SCA is
- To explore and get a deeper understanding of Swami’s teachings through a simplified debating format.
- To discuss some of the current world topics in a spiritual context.
- To build up self-confidence
The Debate SCA is conducted separately for boys and girls of age 13 and above from 10.45 to 11.30am as part of the SSE programme at MDIS campus, Stirling Road. It is open only to the SSE students at MDIS Campus.