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Notes -
I think if you have two subject-matter experts, with ample time to research and prepare, AND are allowed to bring their sources into the real-time debate, AND they take the time to define the terms they'll be using throughout, and they are very clear about the scope of the question they're trying to get to the truth of, then its a pretty good way to either get at the truth or at least have the audience come away far more educated as to the state of the situation than before.
But the vast majority of such real-time debates ain't that.
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Yes, although you don't need charity if there are some rules of decorum and perhaps a moderator to prevent things devolving too much.
I kinda want both sides to be going for the throat, but things have to be temperate enough to allow arguments to be heard and understood, not two people shouting past each other.
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