tldr: Debates are essential in a free society. 1. Do not hope to change people’s core stance. [...] One of the core reasons to debate is to find common ground

tldr: Debates are essential in a free society. 1. Do not hope to change people’s core stance. [...] One of the core reasons to debate is to find common ground. 2. Let people’s character [or motives] out of the debate. 3. Shy away from authority-based arguments.