Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Farris:
We’re continuing our visit with Christy Shipe, who’s an author, former debater in college, homeschooling mom, and my daughter. Christy, debate has always been very important to free societies. Can you fill our listeners in on some of that history?

Christy Shipe:
Well, the formal debate and teaching of rhetoric that we really practice today comes from Ancient Greece. Although debate itself is as old as Adam and Eve in the garden, I’m sure! But debate involves logical reasoning and persuasive communication, which really developed formally in Greece as a result of system of citizen rule. Citizens had to learn how to speak persuasively for their position when they were working to achieve their political goals.

Another important aspect of debate in history of our country is that it’s something our Founding Fathers felt very important about when enshrined in our Constitution under the free speech clause. They really see free speech as part of holding government accountable. So the Founders felt it was really important that we be free to discuss the issues of the day and find the gold nuggets of truth that remain after a healthy clash of ideas.

Mike:
Christy, thanks so much for joining us! I'm Mike Farris.