Debating

Summary

If you’ve ever watched a political debate on TV, you may wonder what the point is. After all, aren’t both participants committed to their own viewpoints, and just aiming to win? Why would we ever think that debate is a useful activity. Nyaya philosophers were big proponents of debate, but not the kind of debate you see on network TV. In this episode we’ll explore why they think arguments between two opposing parties aren’t just a spectacular waste of time.

Music:

Brittle Rille by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3460-brittle-rille

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Sources:

Matthew Dasti and Stephen Phillips, The Nyaya-sutra: Selections with Early Commentaries, Hackett Publishing, 2017. https://www.hackettpublishing.com/new-forthcoming/the-nyaya-sutra

Monty Python, “Argument Clinic”