Plato: Tyranny Is Only One Step Away From Democracy

A mob of people raising their fists in ancient Greece illustrates tyranny in Plato's Republic

Is tyranny simply a form of governance, or is it a product of a certain psychology? How does Plato’s view of tyranny relate to modern political systems? According to Plato, tyranny results when democracy deteriorates. In The Republic, he describes tyrannies and the psychological profile of a tyrant, providing insights into power dynamics and human behavior that remain relevant today. Continue reading to understand Plato’s thoughts on tyranny and how it happens.

The 2 Main Principles of Debate (According to Trey Gowdy)

Two people in professional attire looking over the principles of debate in front of a poster that reads "DEBATE RULES"

What are the principles of debate? Why are honesty and open-mindedness important in a debate? Trey Gowdy argues that the goal of persuasion shouldn’t simply be to advance your own point of view, but to better understand others’ and reach a higher truth. To do this, you must follow the basic principles of debate. Keep reading to learn what these principles are so you can persuade others with moral standards.

The Importance of Honesty in a Debate (According to Trey Gowdy)

A woman talking about the importance of honesty

What’s the importance of honesty in a debate? Why does honesty matter in Congress? Former prosecutor and District Attorney Trey Gowdy believes that the purpose of debate is to arrive at a truth everyone can accept. Because of this belief, he dismisses persuasive tactics that are dishonest, manipulative, and driven by emotion. Here’s more on why honesty is the best policy in a debate or argument.

How to Prepare for a Debate: Study the Facts and Your Opponent

A woman who knows how to prepare for a debate by looking over index cards backstage

What type of things should you know before a debate? What should you learn about your opponent beforehand? Trey Gowdy believes that you should enter a debate armed with as much knowledge as possible about your topic and opponent. Preparedness matters more than charisma or luck and can be reliably honed through practice. Continue reading to learn how to prepare for a debate by acquiring new knowledge.

How to Ask Questions in a Debate: Trey Gowdy’s 2 Strategies

A woman asking a question in a debate

Why is asking questions important in a debate? What types of questions should you ask? According to Trey Gowdy, the most effective tool of persuasion isn’t any particular way of making an argument but asking questions. Gowdy claims that as a prosecutor and chair of Congressional committees, he spent more time asking questions than constructing a narrative from those answers. Here’s how to ask questions in a debate so you can have the upper hand.

Plato’s Ideal Society: An Overview of The Republic, Books II-IV

A painting of a beautiful ancient Greek city with a lake and mountains in the distance illustrates Plato’s ideal city

What does the ideal society look like? Has a philosopher from ancient Greece already designed one? In The Republic, Plato presents his vision of a perfect city-state. Through the character of Socrates, he outlines a society with a strict class system, communal living for some, and a “noble lie” to maintain order. Keep reading to explore the ins and outs of Plato’s ideal society.

How to Gather Information: Questions for Your Debate Opponent

A woman gathering information and taking notes in a debate

What is information gathering in a debate? How can you gather information while also forming an argument against your opponent? Debating requires you to do many things at once. While your opponent is giving their argument, you also have to ask the right questions to receive more information that can be used against them. Discover how to gather information while you’re opponent has their turn to talk.

How to Start a Social Movement: 2 Forces You Must Leverage

a black and white drawing of people from the back walking in the same direction illustrates what causes mass movements

What drives people to join social movements? What makes individuals willing to sacrifice everything for a cause? In The True Believer, Eric Hoffer explores what causes mass social movements to start and gain momentum. He examines the psychological factors that lead people to dedicate themselves to a collective cause, often at great personal cost. Keep reading to learn how to start a social movement by understanding the two powerful forces behind them.

How to Perform Refutation in Debates to Undermine Arguments

A speaker on stage at a podium, using a refutation in a debate against her opponent

How can you execute refutation in debates? What are ways to undermine your opponent’s facts? According to Trey Gowdy, knowing your opponents is an important part of debating because it allows for an easy refutation of their argument. This means fully understanding what their arguments are, what facts they’re relying on, and what it would take to convince them to abandon their position. Check out how to get a good sense of who your opponents are so you can chip away at their argument.