I used to be eager for debate, and when I was in college I would sometimes take a position I didn't even agree with just for the sake of argument. Today I don't care as much. I'll debate a little, but I think for most people debate isn't about exploring issues so much as trying to paint someone into a corner. I prefer simple discussion, though: tell me what you think, I'll share my views, I'll ask questions to better understand your perspective, and hopefully you'll ask followups as well, and we both come away with a better understanding of the other without feeling an adversarial need to convince each other.

I voted other. It depends on the opposition.

If they're mostly honest I'll at least give it a go. If they're someone who tries to shrug off direct questions posed to them or are constantly moving the goalposts, I want nothing to do with them.
Ad Homs are a conversation killer too.

Debating is one of life’s little pleasures.

Healthy debates are always welcomed.

Some people don't debate they just argue. iykwim

A good debate gives me juice, forces me to sharpen my pencil, make me consider arguments I hadn't thought of before, and forces me to consider the truth and accuracy of my own opinions and beliefs.

So, bring it on. But if my opponent insists on using points that are illogical and flawed, and uses immature behaviour, I'll tell them to take a hike.

How it is done is very important. Respect, Bro... and Sis!

Debates is the best way to shine taughts and ideas

I love discussions more than arguments

Debate is great. In this world of partisanship, great debates seem to have been lost in the lies, which is hardly surprising.

I'll debate, but only so long as I can see debate coming from the other side - but nowadays, it usually turns into a preaching/ condemnation/ I'm right, you're wrong argument & at that point, I don't give a shit whether you agree with me or not .. you're an idiot & the debate is over.

As an Atheist with a ThD (PhD) in Theology and Comparative Modern Religions I am pretty well open to debate at most times.

If I am going to have a debate with a theist- it just proves I have nothing better to do with my time than to waste it.

I like to respectfully debate with people on occasion. Not to say it can't get heated, not angry but impassioned, but if there is respect on each side, then there shouldn't be any hard feelings once it's over.

I don't 'feel' like I know enough to debate anything. There are people that would destroy me by pulling up all sorts of resources and blah. I love a lively discussion though, metaphorically speaking.

I’m fine with debate but think it’s largely a waste of time. These days I tend to simply turn my pretty head and walk away.

Debate or stagnate.

I enjoy debating a topic. But, one cannot reason with irrationality. All one can do, in that case, is to point out the irrationality and ask how and why a person would engage in it?

I want the truth, so i like debates. But debates end when someone begins name-calling and displaying pointed anger.

It is fascinating to learn how other people use their minds, but i am immediately turned off when someone decides that a word can only mean one thing, or that anything is certain and absolute as opposed to highly probable or commonplace (OR and this is huge, when a party doesn't read or listen to the whole statement of the other party and decides to twist their words), because at that point you're seeking validation, you're not discussing. Anger is sometimes a barrier to be negotiated, but if it arises and one party refuses to soften or doubt themselves and remains unmoving, again, they're looking for validation.

Intelligent debate, one based on factual information and not beliefs, is always illuminating. And fun.

I don't mind debate, but as the sayine goes, "People are entitled to their own opinions, but they re not entitled to (make up) their own facts. " There is way too much misinformation out in the world right now for debate to be a desirable to use my time. In order for debate to work both parties have to have a mostly agrread upon set of facts or a common belief about what is or is not true.

I'm an open book but you might be offended by my answer so make sure you are before you ask.

I prefer peace of mind

I see debate as a matter of learned opinions. Im open to debates. I learn as i go. If i see anger, it tells me something about that person. I may continue or stop depending on the behavior of the person challenging me. I like knowledge. I may not agree with a person or a group of people. I don't make it a face to face challenge. I know when to back up and out of a conversation. Example: i use to chair step study with new young people at NA. After awhile a couple of people put in the suggestion box that i was trying to teach the program. The owner (guy that pays the bills) ask me to tone it down. He didnt want to loose money by people going to another NA group. The new people decided to change the program and explain how it works. I was to hard in my explainations of the steps. I decided that it would be better that i let someone else give the Tuesday night meetings. Hey... i was only explaining experience, strength, and hope. I also told the people outside smoking that i wouldnt sign their papers if they didnt come inside. I was committed to help them. They just wanted me to sign their paper from the court and control the meeting. Hmm.

I gotta be in the mood, though.