All of you are correct by assuming I am a great debater. What does it take to be a great debater? Thanks for asking. It takes being a philosopher.
I teach a philosophy class at Columbia University and debates often spark. Other than the whispered debate amongst students about - how the hell did this weak black woman (referring to me) get to teach this course, this class dives into - the mysteries of life. For example, let’s reenact one of our greatest debates. As always, I played the moderator...or did I?
ME: Ok, welcome to today’s class. Let’s jump right into our debate. I hope both sides are prepared. Today is the day that all those years of preparing to be prepared pays off.
We’ll start with each side's opening argument and see where it takes us...I hope all of you stretched your hamstrings. Let's start off with this side.
(point to left side and ask):
What is your side's opening argument?
Left side: Life sucks.
(Repeat while shifting eyes toward right side):
Life sucks…ok, and can we have your side's opening argument?
Right side: But it gets better.
Me: Ah, but it gets better.
(pause and act interested; then point to each side and repeat arguments)
Life sucks…but it gets better…
Ok, I’d like each side to repeat their opening arguments so we can really emphasize where each side truly stands.
(have each side repeat arguments; then say):
That’s interesting…life sucks…but it gets better.
(then have right side go first, asking):
Is there anything you’d like to add.
Right side: Life gets better.
Me: Ah, life gets better...Would the other side like to counter?
Left side: But it sucks.
Me: I have heard both sides and they are each compelling arguments. Once again, we had:
Life sucks, countered by - but it gets better...
And then we had:
Life gets better, countered by - but it sucks...
Very interesting...I have come to the conclusion that life doesn't necessarily suck - but it's not getting better either...
...life just is...or is it?
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