The Nature of Controversial Statements.

Men hâve been arguing with one another from the beginning of time. In ancient Greece argumentation and debate particularly debate in the courtroom, in the Council, and in the assembly laid the groundwork for democratie government. Courtroom verdicts and public policies were determined not by fiat but by a vote of the majority who were persuaded through public debate. Decisionmaking through debate is our most precious heritage from the Greeks.1