Decline of Debate

["Murphy Tom" <murphy_tom@msmail.muohio.edu>]

I would like to begin a new thread.  Given the nature of some discussions on
this list, I would also like to place an immediate limitation on this thread.
 The limitation is that references to intercollegiate debate should be
limited if used at all.

Debate is declining in society.  As a law student, I was amazed when I found
out that, while the Supreme Court requires oral argument, many (if not most)
state appellate cases are decided without oral argument.  In addition, many
of the attorneys I have seen argues appeals are horrible; few stand out. 
Likewise, while we see more of politicians on television than ever before, we
rarely see them in real debate or even public speaking situations.  My public
speaking students lament about how far back in history they must go to see a
truly "great" speaker.

Why is this so?  Why is the quality of debate and speech in society so low? 
It hasn't always been.  Is it the influence of television?  Please don't
blame intercollegiate debate (it involves so few students and always has; in
addition, the greatest number of debaters I see are good or excellent
speakers).

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• From: Steven Hunt <hunt@lclark.edu>

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