To want a debate and discussion topic on MN?

[WriterofDreams]

Where you could propose a topic and have a heated lively debate about it? This sort of happens on IABU but tends to lean towards the personal whereas what I would propose is a more intellectual style discussion.

Have you seen the feminism board?

Yeah but that's a very specific area, I'd rather have a general one that isn't bound by a particular subject area.

You have spent time on AIBU?

Discussion and debate aka bitching and fighting abound.

Yes but AIBU is a very specific format - people feel compelled to provide personal experiences and it does tend towards bitching. I'd rather have a topic where you can propose theoretical discussions such as

"I believe that there is no such thing as free will"

The AIBU lends itself to judgement and argument rather than discussion IMO. It has its place and I love the bitching but I'd also like to discuss more intellectual matters.

I agree it would be interesting, with proper debating guidelines so it didn't turn into a bunfight or go of at a complete tangent, as often happens on AIBU.

I'll join in if you're starting a petition!

Great idea.

The "free will" debate would fit nicely and exactly into the philosophy/religion/spirituality forum.

There are forums to cover just about everything already!

I think it is very interesting idea, and I'd like the possibility of intelligent debate with the understanding that there might not be agreement or resolution. Just a good debate.
I wonder if it is possible on a general site?
I've only seen it stay 'academic' on some of the subject-specific fora that I'm on, with people familiar with the concept of a debate not ending up as a scrap and still happy to talk to one another afterwards.

I think breaking up everything into specific subjects such as religion etc is useful but limiting as those subject areas are likely to attract only one type of person, whereas a general discussion area would attract a wide range of people who are just interested in hearing views on different topics.

I agree it would be hard to regulate a debate in order to stop it turning it into a bunfight. Perhaps it would be the responsibility of the person starting the topic to police it and remind participants of the rules if things start going off the rails? Also, it would need to be made clear that it isn't a topic for personal matters.

How do I go about lobbying for a new topic area such as this?