I'd like to debate the topic listed in the title with Tach. I will argue that it is true and he will argue that it is false. I'm unfamiliar with formal debates but here's my suggestions:
I could start any time, Tach. If you accept the terms perhaps I'll post my first volley tomorrow. Regarding an arbiter, I was thinking you could choose someone from the following pool: AlphaNumeric, Prometheus, BenTheMan, Hercules Rockefeller, Fraggle Rocker. The first three I have a provably contentious history with (which I thought you might demand). The last two are guys that I have NO history with but seem to have well-reasoned posts.
Good? Any other rules we need to cover?
- A neutral arbiter is chosen. Arbiter's role is to give both sides someone to make appeals to, determine when and if the debate topic has been changed by a party, whether responses are sound and valid, and eventually to decide which debater is victorious. One reason I think an arbiter is important in this debate is due to the fact that Tach and I speak very different languages: he prefers speaking purely in mathematical formalisms, and while I'll do my best to frame things mathematically, the battlefield is unnaturally restricted if no other logic is permissible.
- 10 posts each side, maximum. I suspect it won't go past 2 each but you never know. Also, I would say the arbiter can interject at any point and declare a winner, at which point the debate is over.
- Time limits for replying should be roughly 24 hours or less but can be fluid. If one party needs a couple of days off, so be it, just let others know. Four days with no posts whatsoever is a forfeiture.
- The loser will acknowledge as a fact in a post at the end of this thread whatever the arbiter determines to be reality regarding the debate topic, based upon arguments made in the debate by each side, after a decision is made.
I could start any time, Tach. If you accept the terms perhaps I'll post my first volley tomorrow. Regarding an arbiter, I was thinking you could choose someone from the following pool: AlphaNumeric, Prometheus, BenTheMan, Hercules Rockefeller, Fraggle Rocker. The first three I have a provably contentious history with (which I thought you might demand). The last two are guys that I have NO history with but seem to have well-reasoned posts.
Good? Any other rules we need to cover?