An intrinsic part of the democratic way of functioning in ancient Athens, debates became extinct during the feudal ages.
However, following the reinstatement of democracy, debates redeemed.
Today, online forums have provided a platform to the people to discuss issues concerning the society.
More than two thousand years back, public debates were held in Athens and all natives participated in them.
Any action of the state was decided keeping in view the majority.
All state issues, whether wars, punishments, development or any other, decisions were based on the preferences of the citizens.
Debating was an integral part of their political and social setup.
Today, in any modern democratic society, debate remains a vital aspect.
Circumstances have changed but the gist is same.
The idea, which is to consider the pros and cons of an issue and to reach an appropriate decision, prevails.
However, times were not always democratic during the course of history.
There were dark ages in between, when feudalism and aristocracy was prevalent.
Debating during this age was considered blasphemy against the rulers.
Thinkers like Galileo Galilei were persecuted for putting forth their views.
In the thirteenth century, Magna Carta paved way for democracy in England.
The Bill of Rights passed in the seventeenth century provided freedom of speech, giving people the right to express their views.
Absolute monarchy gave way to constitutional monarchy.
English philosopher John Locke in his book Two Treatises, stressed the concept of people having a say on the manner in which their government is run.
The idea was later elaborated by French philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau in his book Social Contract.
The political theory the two gentlemen propounded led to the modern day democracy.
Given the right to freely express their views, people today can congregate and debate on any topic concerning their lives.
Social debates are imperative for seeding democratic values in the people.
Joseph Joubert, a French essayist known for his much appreciated work, Pensées, said, "It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.
" Online debate forums are playing an important role in today's times.
Relevant issues are discussed on these forums, enabling people to uncover various notions, doctrines and practices either dominating or missing from the society.
Political issues are also vigorously debated on online forums.
In order to debate these issues, you need not be an academic of Political Science.
All you require is the ability to see through the issues and to agree to find solutions.
While participating in online debates, you will come across some of the most experienced debaters and academics.
Perusing their views, you will get informed of various points of views on an issue.
If you wish to put forth your views, you prepare arguments in your support, and in the process, learn to express yourself.
Your contribution adds to the thought process in the society.
Since debates encourage logical thinking, expression of views and understanding the perspectives of others, these are imperative in any democratic society.
Joining a debate forum will expose you to the stream of ideas that would help you develop yourself intellectually.