To check our own points of view or frames of reference.

To gather information from other points of view for consideration.

To develop better communication skills.

To develop the intellect by critical thinking and reasoning.

And sometimes...just to have some fun with information!

To learn.

To teach.

To preach.

And to kill time.

We debate so we can make better decisions and be informed about the various viewpoints on issues that are pertinent to our lives.

I believe Joseph Joubert said it best when he said, "It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it."

We debate to figure out what our own opinions are on things.

I think the Big 4 sums it up for everybody in general. Call me egocentric, but I debate mainly to strengthen my personal beliefs by evaluating it against all possible contradictions, and maybe convince somebody else in the process. I also like to see what popular opinions are floating around, and every now and then appreciate a well-composed argument or a new perspective. I hate it when people debate simply to kill time without any other purpose, since time is about the most precious thing in the world and I'd hate to see it wasted.

mainly to kill time in legal class

THERES NOTHING ELSE TO DO!!!!

work is totally out of the question

(y would i do that???)

so ill go with to kill time

(70 mins is a long time!!!!!!!!!!!)