Debate Prerequisites
Before we start, we need three basic agreements.
If we don’t have these, the conversation doesn’t happen.
1. We share a reality
We’re talking about the same world.
If facts don’t matter, or reality is optional, there’s nothing to debate.
2. We use honesty and logic
No trolling. No bad faith. No deliberate confusion.
You don’t have to be right. You do have to be real.
3. We don’t dehumanize people
Attack ideas all you want.
Do not reduce people to something less than human.
What happens if these break
If we lose shared reality or honesty, the conversation ends immediately.
No debate. No back-and-forth.
If you dehumanize someone, expect the same energy in return.
Why this exists
This isn’t about being polite.
It’s about making conversation possible.
No reality → no facts
No honesty → no progress
No humanity → no point