In polities, in the courts, even on the ubiquitous TV talk shows, it is good form to pick an intellectual fight. People attach each other--hurl insults, even--and it counts as logical argument. I cannot understand it. The problem is society’s unquestioning belief in the advantages of the debate as a way of solving disagreements, even proving right from wrong. Our brainwashing begins early at school, when the brightest pupils are co-opted onto the debating system. They get there because they can think up a good argument to support their case. Once on the debate team, they learn that they earn bonus points for the skill with which they verbally attack, or insult, the opposing team.