The Power Of Debate - An Interview With Tony Koutsoumbos

In this Podcast we talk to Tony Koutsoumbos about the importance of learning the skills of debate and the value it has in shaping our ideas and arguments.

Recently debates and debating has had a resurgence in schools and colleges as an important tool not only for learning but also for engagement. It is not the only approach to discussing crucial issues but it is one that helps to sharpen our minds both to our own and our opponents arguments.

We shall talk to Tony about why he thinks debate is valuable and why he has spent much of his time developing community activities around the skills and practice of debate.

We shall also discuss whether in public life the intrinsic value of debate has been lost whether because politicians no longer understand it or because social media has generated a more visceral approach to public discourse.

Tony has over many years developed workshops and training around debate and set up a meet-up group of people interested in using the tool of debate to discuss major issue as well as acquired its skills. He has been a major influence in the work of debate and has inspired many to take part in what has been an exciting venture.