A public debate is a form of public discussion in which individuals present arguments for and against the same topic. The participants may include experts or authorities in the relevant field, members of the public with a particular interest or stake in the issue, politicians, activists, journalists, academics and other professionals. Debates can be formal or informal, and they may take place in public or private settings.
Debate activities are often structured around a question-and-answer format with a moderator, and the participants are given a set amount of time to answer each question. The moderator typically begins with easy or light questions to allow the panelists to get settled in and then moves on to more complex topics. Participants are generally encouraged to use rhetorical devices, such as logical fallacies and appeals to emotion, to persuade the audience or their opponent. In some cases, participants can become aggressive and confrontational, and they may misrepresent or distort their opponents’ points of view in an effort to discredit them.
The goal of debate is to provide the public with a more comprehensive understanding of the issues being discussed, and to help citizens weigh the alternatives and make informed choices. However, debate events are not without controversy, and they can be highly politicized and expensive to stage. Additionally, many argue that the benefits of public debate are not sufficient to justify their expense and logistical footprint.
For example, in the recent election cycle where voters are already quite familiar with candidates due to their track record as incumbents or from months of campaign events throughout the season, public debate has not served its purpose of increasing voter knowledge.