Dear all,
As a decision-making tool, the medium of debate has its roots in the early democracies of ancient Greece and Rome and remains the essential method by which parliamentary democracies today conduct their legislative process. Debates are frequently used in schools and universities to train young people to speak in public and to enhance their education in democracy and freedom of speech.
The aim of the Doha Debates is to allow a public exploration of the important issues in the Arab and Islamic worlds and apply the principles of free speech and democratic decision-making through the use of this traditional debating format. The purpose is also to create a sense of social responsibility that will carry through to real life. The Qatar Foundation is well known as a venue where people of various backgrounds, expertise and opinions can share knowledge and exchange views.
The Doha Debates have a format similar to the traditional `Oxford Union' debate, where discussion centres on a "motion", usually a controversial statement. Two teams argue for and against the motion; the discussion is then thrown open to the audience, directed by the chairman, Tim Sebastian. At the end of the debate, a vote is taken and the chairman announces the result, declaring the motion to have been passed or rejected by "the House". Tim Sebastian's international reputation of tough questioning and straight talking sets the tone of this ground-breaking enterprise.
The guest speakers strive to be eloquent, witty and provocative. They may attack their opponent's arguments - but not the person. The aim is to test the logic of an argument, examine complex subjects from a variety of angles and reach a vote among the audience that tests the effectiveness of what they have heard. It is hoped that the audience might be liberated from well-worn ideological clichés and inspired to fresh insights. At the very least, they will learn that an ideological opponent's view can also be valid.
The Doha Debates have been broadcast on BBC World since January 2005. BBC World is the BBC's international, 24 hour news channel, broadcasting by satellite to nearly 300 million people in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.
For more please visits the link bellow
http://www.thedohadebates.com/
Regards,
Rashedul Hasan Stalin
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