Can Conversation Solve Issues?

As a club, we set out to talk to one another about issues facing the world. Are we doing this simply as an exercise, or can we expect to come up with solutions that could truly solve the issues at hand? Or, rather than solve issues, does discussion and debate more simply serve as an exercise to make us more educated citizens. If so, how far could the benefit to our small membership ripple out into society?

The essential problem of Carnegie debates may be that we lack a broad enough perspective to approach issues from the point of view of those who would be helped by their solutions. When we are debating food systems solutions, are we too far removed from the issue as we gorge on ten different and delicious dishes? Are we engaging in a pointless exercise?

The approach you take to this debate depends on what you think debate is in the first place. Is it a means or an end to solving problems, or both at the same time?

I believe that this is a debate we can approach organically without the need for much technical knowledge. The sources will be light, so bring your own opinions to the table and argue for them passionately.