Pros and Cons - Debbie Newman, Ben Woolgar 2014

Foreword

Writing the foreword for the last edition of Pros and Cons, Will Hutton commented: ’reasoned argument . . . is the stuff of democracy’. I agree, and the English-Speaking Union (ESU) has been aiding and abetting reasoned argument around the globe since 1918.

This book forearms the fledgling and the experienced debater alike with the tools not only to engage with the stuff of democracy, but also to experience the sheer fun of debate. It is, however, fun with a purpose. No matter how light or dark the subject, debate broadens the mind and develops the intellect — practitioners gain in confidence and self-belief and grow their critical thinking and social skills. The art of speaking — and, as importantly, listening — underpins civic and civil society.

This is the nineteenth edition of Pros and Cons — itself a testimony to its usefulness. Some of the topics it covers are radically different to those that have appeared in previous editions and some are similar — although the issues within the issues will have evolved and changed to meet new times and new realities. We at the English-Speaking Union are proud to continue our association with Routledge and proud to be associated with this publication. I urge everyone who reads Pros and Cons to get debating — it is an empowering feeling.

Peter Kyle, OBE

Director-General,The English-Speaking Union