Essay talk:What is the point of debating topics on which nobody is likely to change his mind?



At least two (1 & 2).



This doesn't sound very usual. Do you know of any examples where this is the case? I know that it's fairly common for a pro-lifer to rationalise her own abortion & go on being anti-abortion afterwards (examples), but I think it's unlikely that somebody who is pro-abortion changes their mind after an abortion unless they have a particularly bad experience. Where there are changes of mind, it's usually in the other direction: an anti-abortionist becoming pro-abortion (see the last couple of examples in the above link).



If the numbers don't shift, why vote periodically? If the numbers do shift but debate doesn't cause it, what does?



What about people in the middle who haven't made up their minds, or whose convictions about these issues aren't particularly strong? What about people who've adopted their views for the wrong reasons (e.g. family or peer pressure) & who might be open to reconsidering them when they understand the opposing view better? 12:20, 8 December 2013 (UTC)
 * Over the course of my life I've probably changed my opinion in respect of over 80% of my political and religions beliefs. Sometimes I've been persuaded by argument and other times through reflection. With any luck, I'll change a few more opinions before I die. One minor opinion I've changed is that, as a youngster, I wouldn't have considered  the question which forms this essay to be sexist - but now I do.
 * I've also changed my position on abortion.
 * So keep arguing for what you think is right you may persuade somebody. This also has the positive effect of requiring you to think about defending/refining your own positions - and you may come to the fortunate conclusion that you are the one who is wrong.--Bob"I think you'll find it's more complicated than that." 15:48, 8 December 2013 (UTC)