Debating

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" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohDB5gbtaEQ President Trump: If Joe Biden wins... (Sept 25, 2020) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK4jZTD1Y-w Trump and the truth: His supporters weigh in (CNN, Dec 16, 2015) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8mJO78dXdc --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/malcolm-keating/support